We've been raising this white-faced heron juvenile after it fell out of its nest. It's fuzzy, comical look have won it a few hearts among the volunteers. Like many adolescents, it's gone through the awkward gangly-legged growth stage, and it's getti#birdo#nzbirdsl#birdsofaotearoar#whitefacedheronr#heroni#wildlifer#wildliferehabilitationl#wildliferehaba#wildlifehospitala#siwhl#southislandwildlifehospitallandwildlifehospital ... See MoreSee Less

Although the adults of this species are a common sight around the city, not everyone gets to see tarāpunga when they are this young. Sadly, gulls get a bad rep and are thought of by some as flying rats. It's common to sit by the river or beach and see children harassing them, and previously, nesting sites in parts of the country have been damaged or destroyed deliberately. Although they appear to be prolific, red billed gulls are declining around the country, and black billed gulls are endangered. We see them at the hospital with a variety of conditions, including entanglements, wounds, and respiratory dise#chickc#Gull##redbilledgulld#tarāpungap#birdsofaotearoae#bird##nzbirdsb#wildliferehabilitationa#wildliferehabr#wildlifehospitalp#WildlifeHealthe#wildlifed#siwh##southislandwildlifehospitalpital ... See MoreSee Less

The white-morph southern giant petrel was released back to the Pacific Ocean last week. Only around 10% of Pāngurunguru are white; the species is more typically brown in colouration. Giant petrels are the largest petrel, and are a tube-nosed species. Many pelagic (ocean-wandering) species are tube-nosed, giving them an enhanced sense of smell. They also have a hooked beak and a big bird like this one has the potential to give a nasty bite, adding an extra challenge to their care at the hospital.
📸: @josho_photography
#petrel #giantpetrel #southerngiantpetrel #pāngurunguru #bird #nzbirds #birdsofaotearoa #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehab #wildlifehospital #wildlifehealth #wildlife #siwh #southislandwildlifehospital ... See MoreSee Less

We have 12 little owls at the hospital currently, enough to form a jury. Or, more fittingly, a parliament, which is the collective noun for owls. With 9 babies and 3 adults, we're going through a lot of meat to keep them all fed.
Although introduced, ruru nohinohi are naturalised in Aotearoa and do not compete with our native bird species. They are a common species at the hospital, with 35 treated this y#parliamenta#littleowll#rurunohinohii#bird##babybirdy#nzbirdsb#birdsofaotearoae#wildlifed#wildliferehabr#wildliferehabilitationa#WildlifeHealthe#wildlifehospitalp#siwh##southislandwildlifehospitalpital ... See MoreSee Less

A friendly reminder for the summer - In a Marine Reserve the speed limit for boats and water craft is 5 knots when within 200 meters of the shore. 🚤

When you see a wake of white water in a line, it's a clear sign the boat is travelling faster than 5 knots - so it's easy to see if someone is breaking these rules.

Last season we found 2 beautiful penguins that have been hit by boats and had to be taken to South Island Wildlife Hospital for treatment.

This can be easily avoided if people simply slow down and enjoy their surroundings and wildlife. ... See MoreSee Less

The back story to our recent swan patient. Every bird we receive involves multiple people, and sometimes multiple organisations, to get it from rescue to release. Wildlife health and rehabilitation really is all about collaboration. A great outcome for all involved.This month, a resident’s quick thinking helped save a black swan at Northbrook Wetlands after spotting a fishing hook and sinker weight in its neck.

After the call was received, a small rescue crew made up of members from Council’s Greenspace team and Environmental Services Unit deployed to the wetlands to locate the swan in question. 🦢

The swan, affectionally named ‘Darrel’ by Council staff, was treated for his injuries and lead poisoning at the South Island Wildlife Hospital — and has now been safely released back to his mate at Northbrook. ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less

We recently had a swan brought to us with a fishing hook stuck in its neck. Bloods showed it also had a high lead level. Lead is a heavy metal and once consumed, the body cannot naturally get rid of it. Treatment requires a medication which binds to the lead to allow it to be eliminated from the body.
Lead exposure in wildlife occurs from ingesting old lead fixtures and paints, lead ammunition, lead fishing weights, and through contaminated pools of water due to leaching from lead objects.
Swans are large birds that come with big attitudes so treating them in the hospital has its challenges. Thankfully for all involved, it got released back into the wild today. #swan #blackswan #bird #birdsofaotearoa #nzbirds #wildlife #WildlifeHealth #wildliferehab #wildliferehabilitation #wildlifehospital #wildlifemedicine #siwh #southislandwildlifehospital ... See MoreSee Less