A morepork, named Nightshade by MoreFM listeners, who has spent the past two months recovering from treatment for a broken foot and concussion at Massey Univeristy’s Wildbase Hospital, has been released in the Papaitonga Scenic Reserve near Levin on Tuesday 2 August.

Representatives from Wildbase Hospital, and the Department of Conservation, were joined by the MoreFM Mike West in the Morning team and their Junior Journo, Haley Stewart.

Nightshade’s injuries were caused in an unfortunate collision with a car near Levin, but the bird was quickly taken to the SPCA before being transferred to Wildbase Hospital on June 3.  Upon receiving full bloods and radiographs, Nightshade was found to have a fracture to its left foot which required strapping in place. Nightshade was placed on cage rest for a few weeks while recovering.

Five weeks’ after receiving treatment, Nightshade had further radiographs which showed great healing. The bird was transferred to Turakina Bird Rescue where wildlife carer Dawne Morton oversaw rehabilitation. Once established, patients will be transferred to Wildbase Recovery’s purpose-built rehabilitation aviaries at this stage. A further three weeks’ recuperation was all that was required for Nightshade to fully recover and be ready for release.

MoreFM’s Junior Journo, Hayley Stewart followed up her recovery report at Nightshade’s release alongside Mike West in the Morning’s Gareth Pringle, Johnelle Hosking, and Mike West.

Set in Palmerston North’s Victoria Esplanade, Wildbase Recovery will provide 14 purpose-built rehabilitation aviaries and Massey University’s world-class care for native wildlife to fully recover before their release.

Wildbase Recovery is a collaboration between Palmerston North City Council and Massey University, with support from Rangitāne iwi, New Zealand Rotary and Lions clubs. The Department of Conservation has been involved throughout the development of the project, and has provided a 30 year permit for the display of recovering native species, the first of its kind.

The Wildbase Recovery Community Trust are tasked with fundraising the $5.69m needed to build the national wildlife rehabilitation facility. Anyone wishing to donate can do so through their Give a little page https://givealittle.co.nz/org/wildbaserecovery

Watch the Nightshade’s release here:
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