What's Hot Magazine, May, 2001

HELP FOR INJURED WILDLIFE

New Wildlife Rehab Center for the Cayman Islands

Written by Lois Blumenthal

Photo credits to David Blumenthal & Joanne Ross

A Magnificent Frigate Bird (Man O’ War) was the first patient at the Cayman Islands’ new Wildlife Rehab Center and her successful release back into the wild caused whoops of joy from volunteers and spontaneous applause from onlookers. 

Jo Ann Ross releases "Frieda the Frigate" in Pease Bay.

The huge bird had fallen from the sky at midnight a few days earlier for no apparent reason. A local resident heard the crashing and squawking and found the enormous bird bravely attempting to keep his three dogs at bay. He secured the bird in a safe place and contacted the Wildlife Rehab Center the next morning.

Volunteers at the Wildlife Center believe that the huge bird’s sleeping roost was disturbed and it took off in confusion. These truly “Magnificent” birds have a six-foot wingspan and are sometimes known to experience mid-air collisions – especially when flying in the dark!

After enjoying a few lazy days of being hand-fed squid and small fish, by 11 year-old volunteer extraordinaire, Caroline Ross,  “Frieda the Frigate” was released from a high perch near the sea and soared to freedom.

Caroline Ross feeding Magnificent Frigate Bird at the Wildlife Rehab Centre

Caring for injured wildlife is problematic and often not successful, so happy endings like this one are very rewarding for everyone involved. The Wildlife Rehab Center is very small and is manned entirely by volunteers. Anyone finding injured wildlife should take the animal immediately to a veterinarian for treatment. Volunteers then take over the daily feeding and care for these animals until they can be released. This is a very new program and does not have a paid staff or special equipment for catching animals.

Local veterinarians, while primarily set up for cats and dogs, have been very cooperative and have treated everything from frogs to bats without a complaint. However, veterinary clinics with their chilly air-conditioning, barking dogs and ringing telephones are not the ideal place for a stressed wild animal to recuperate. The Wildlife Rehab Center, with the help of the CI Government and local animal lovers has built outdoor cages of varying size in a quiet wooded area near George Town for wild animal recovery and care.

Caroline Ross feeding injured Short-eared Owl

There is still a crucial shortage of funds in the Wildlife Rescue Fund that has been set up to purchase food, medicine and supplies as well as pay veterinarians. This care can become quite expensive when it is necessary to buy fresh fish for Red-Footed Boobies and other larger birds! Contributions to help the wild animals of the Cayman Islands can be made to The Wildlife Rehab Center, Box 4 BT, Bodden Town

Wildlife Rehab Center volunteers can be reached by phoning 947-4688, 916-8680 , 947-2248, or  949-0787,  or any veterinarian. New volunteers are always welcome.