U of S : Communications : OCN : Apr 9, 1998

About five years ago, some people found a couple of young hawks at Woodlawn Cemetery. The birds apparently were abandoned following a wind storm that blew their nest out of a tree.

The people took the hawks to the Wild and Exotic Animal Society (WEAMS) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) for assistance. They were told that, despite their good intentions, the best solution would have been to put the birds back into a nest.

"Baby birds who are brought into captivity by people begin to think that they're people," Dr. Colette Wheler, clinical associate in avian, caged pet, and zoological medicine and WEAMS supervisor, says. "When it becomes time to interact with other birds and seek a mate, the birds are psychological cripples."

The hawks were then taken back to the cemetery and placed in wooden box that one of the rescuers nailed to a tree.

"Before we left, we saw that the adult birds were back," Wheler says.

WEAMS is a non-profit, student organization founded in 1986 to care for wild and exotic animals. More than 90% of its caseload are birds of prey such as hawks, falcons, owls, and eagles. It also cares for the occasional beaver, muskrat, and ground squirrel.

"Students volunteer between classes, in the morning, at lunch, and after hours," Wheler says. "It's amazing that they're able to do it with their hectic schedules."

Under the supervision of a resident avian and exotic veterinarian and the clinicians at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, patients are treated by 50 to 70 students in facilities that include a treatment room, indoor and outdoor housing, and flight rooms.

"Our goal is to restore animals to their former states and give them freedom as wild creatures that can function normally," Wheler says, adding that about 42% of patients are treated and released. About 15% are treated and placed into other facilities such as zoos.

Animals that cannot be rehabilitated are given a humane death, she adds.

"I can't stress enough what a substantial public service [euthanasia] is. Countless people bring in little birds and say, 'I know you probably won't be able to help it, but I couldn't just leave it on the ground for the cat to eat.'"

WEAMS is also active in increasing public awareness about wildlife issues by putting up mall displays and taking birds to school groups.

"We explain that injuries to birds usually occur because of human interference," Wheler says. "For example, birds often fly into power lines, are hit by vehicles, are shot, and are caught in barbed wire fences."

So far, funding has been provided by the Small Animal Clinic, also located at the WCVM; an annual fundraising event such as a raffle; and private donations. However, the Society is beginning to investigate other sources of revenue.

"Funding is always a problem for us," Wheler says. "Because most of the wild birds we treat are owned by the province, we approached them for assistance. We haven't heard back from them yet, but we're optimistic."

A WEAMS pamphlet suggests you take the following steps if you find an injured wild animal:

1) Do not attempt to capture the animal without protective clothing and gloves.

2) Young animals found alone are usually not abandoned. Be sure the animal is injured before interfering.

3) Phone the nearest Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Office to inform them of the animal's location.

4) Transport the animal in a dark, well-ventilated box that isn't too hot.

5) Quiet and quick transportation to the nearest veterinarian ensures the best chance for survival.

6) Submission of the animal to WEAMS can be made by contacting the WCVM Small Animal Clinic. Phone: (306) 966-7126.

- Susanne Albrecht

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