Help an injured native animal

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND INJURED WILDLIFE

If you find an ill or injured wild bird, pick it up (use a towel to avoid damaging feathers), put it in a box lined with a towel, and place it somewhere quiet and dark.

If you are unsure what species you are dealing with, try the online NZ Birds identification tool at http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz. If you are still unable to identify whether the species is native or non-native (baby birds are especially difficult), contact either Wildbase Hospital or the SPCA for advice on what to do next.

Note that any veterinary clinic has an obligation to receive ill and injured wild animals (at no cost to you), so you can simply take any bird to your local vet clinic (native or non-native).

FOR NATIVE SPECIES

The Department of Conservation has overarching responsibility for dealing with injured native animals throughout New Zealand. You can call the DOC hotline for further information on what steps to take.

In the Manawatū, Wildbase Hospital will take in all native species for triage and medical care. There is no fee for this service. Individuals who are successfully treated and deemed likely candidates for re-release back to the wild will be transferred to Wildbase Recovery for rehabilitation.

DOC Hotline 0800 362 468
Wildbase Hospital, Massey University 06 350 5329

FOR NON-NATIVE SPECIES

The SPCA has responsibility for accepting non-native species
SPCA Palmerston North 06 357 2516

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND AN INJURED NATIVE ANIMAL

Phone Department of Conservation (DOC) or Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and they will tell you what to do next.

Report one or two sick, injured or dead animals
Ring the DOC hotline: 0800 362 468
Report three or more sick, injured or dead animals
Ring the Ministry of Primary Industries pest and disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66
Report whale or dolphin strandings
Ring the DOC hotline: 0800 362 468
For Seals
Found a seal that may be ill? Please read the advice about seals on the DOC website
DOC Website

Questions you will be asked:

What type of bird or animal is it?

They may ask you to text or email them a photo so they can identify the species.

Where is the animal now?

Have you collected the animal to care for it or is it still in the place you found it?

Are you able to bring it to the DOC office or a specific bird rescue facility?

Depending on where you are, different facilities care for injured wildlife. The ranger you talk to may ask if you are able to take it to one.