These are the days of our lives. Our posts are intended to record and convey the experiences we are so lucky to be enjoying. The photos will hopefully make up where the posts fall short. As with all things, expect little and you may be pleasantly surprised!!



Sunday, January 10, 2010

North Island Wildlife Rescue Centre




We visited the Wildlife Recovery Centre to see what work they carried out and to see if they needed any volunteers at this time of year.

The centre began in 1984 when the founder, Robin Campbell discovered a Great Horned Owl entangled in a neighbour's fence, its wing was mangled and was in need of emergency care. Since then the centre has become well known, and when wildlife are in need of help, they are brought into the Centre.


Bird which died hitting a power line.


The aim is to cure and hopefully release back into the wild. Some birds or mammals are too injured to be released, so they stay at the centre.

If an animal is brought in that has had contact with humans, ie, hand reared or 'imprinted' by humans, they are not re-released back into the wild, they are used at the centre to educate the public on the wildlife in their area.

There is an Eagle Flight Cage where eagles who have been injured can build up their strength and practice their flying, before being released back into the wild.




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There is an observation deck with one way glass. It is a good way to see these magnificent birds up close, without stressing them out. They are huge.


There is a Black Bear Rehabilitation unit where orphaned bears or injured bears are brought in. There is a cctv set up so that the bears have as little contact as possible with humans. If they become used to humans they will become 'nuisance bears' They must remain frightened of humans. The cages are designed so that the carers can come and go, servicing the cages

Festive bear cub Museum of Nature.

without being seen by the bears. Apparently most bears are born as twins so they try to keep two together so they are less stressed and learn from each other, before being released back into the wild.

There is a resident Black Bear called Knut who has lived at the centre for a long time, and he can be seen by the public. He was sleeping when we went as it was very cold.

We walked around the outside Public Viewing area where there were a number of captive birds of prey which cannot be released.

There is a release pond for birds to come and go from when they choose. It is a great place to children and adults alike, to learn about the wildlife in this part of the world and how to respect it. They are doing an excellent job.

We took a couple of volunteer forms away with us after chatting to the lady at the centre, so we will see if we can help in any way.


Click here to learn more about the centre
www.niwra.org

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