The 1st Annual Irish Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference was held on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of August, when veterinary surgeons and nurses, rehabilitators and others associated with Wildlife took part in an informative and enjoyable conference in the genial and relaxing atmosphere of the Boyne Valley Hotel and Country Club in Drogheda.
The exceptional turnout is testament to the amount of interest by the veterinary profession in this subject, and is also an indication of the amount of under-acknowledged rehabilitation work that is currently being carried out in Ireland, and the need to bring interested groups together.
The conference proceedings were opened by Emma Higgs, organiser of the event and creator of the new Irish Wildlife Matters website. Lilian Collier made sure things ran smoothly all day and Andrew Kelly brightened up the conference room with his brilliantly colourful wildlife photography (some of which were raffled). This small team put together an impressive list of speakers all of whom kept the audience engaged throughout the weekend.
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The first speaker Ann Fitzpatrick of N.P.W.S. (National Parks & Wildlife Service) covered the important topic of legislation. It was unsurprising to hear that while legislation is in place for the care and rehabilitation of wildlife, the system for licensing is underused and ailing. Much needs to be reformed in this area but uptake of the current system is essential for this to happen.
Ann’s talk was followed by presentations from a number of experienced vets and rehabilitators covering a range of animals including the rehabilitation of raptors by John Chitty (co-editor of BSAVA Manual of Raptors Pigeons and Passerine Birds), bats by Maggie Brown (West Yorkshire Bat Hospital), mammals by Joanna Hedley (Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Exotic and Wildlife Medicine) and otters by Grace Yoxon (International Otter Survival Fund). These talks were very informative, discussing: common wildlife injuries and problems; species specific rehabilitation procedures; and the importance of networking. These speakers came from the UK and showcased the variety and progress in rehabilitation work that our neighbours have achieved. It was inspiring to hear from these individuals.
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After lunch, it was gloves on as practical sessions began using wildlife cadavers. Split into groups, attendees were rotated between four stations. There was Joanna Hedley and her display of terrestrial mammals. Full body examinations were discussed as well as the most common problems associated with each species. John Chitty practiced re-hydration procedures and taught us practical bandaging techniques for birds and showed us appropriate injection sites,. Grace Yoxon “grasped” with otters (with a dog grasper), discussing handling and feeding techniques. Maggie Brown introduced people to pipestrelles and a Leisler’s bat, their care and examination procedures. The practical sessions brought life to the talks that had preceded them. Definitely the highlight of the conference.
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Following on from the practical sessions, Steve Davidson of Raptor Rescue UK outlined their template for rehabilitation work i.e. a network of accredited rehabilitators nationwide. An example which we could possibly adopt in Ireland? - a question Emma Higgs posited in her proposal of the development of an Irish Wildlife Rehabilitation Trust. Needless to say the day ended with a lot to consider.
On the following day the Conference program was repeated for a non veterinary audience.
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Also throughout the weekend Birdwatch Ireland, Raptor Rescue, Bat Conservation Ireland, Irish Wildlife Matters, Irish Veterinary Nurses Association, Safe4pets and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group were present with stands displaying information about their organisations. Tea breaks, lunch and dinner gave ample opportunity to browse these stands and discuss topics which came up during lectures. The evening talks by Jim Wilson (ornithologist, ecologist, wildlife consultant, author, broadcaster, wildlife filmmaker and former chairman of Birdwatch Ireland) provided a lively, interesting and informative counterpoint to the conference.
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The conference was a great success and I would very much welcome it as an annual event. A lot of ground was covered over the course of the conference and connections were made. We now need to have open discussions on how to advance wildlife rehabilitation in Ireland, and how to develop a network of professionals, with support and training, in this field. There is a lot of progress to be made but we are in a fortunate position to have excellent templates from other countries to work from. Congratulations to Emma and her team for laying the groundwork.
Bee Kesso
BSc. (Zoology), MSc (Bio)