Wild birds enduring intense heat strain reaches Animal Hospital near breaking point
In the heart of Germany, the clinics at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 10 of the JLU are facing an unprecedented challenge. The first hot days of July saw a staggering 282 wild birds brought to the clinic, a number that typically represents the annual intake for the facility [1]. This surge in patients has put a significant strain on resources, with the clinic currently operating at full capacity.
The Giessen Wild Animal Medicine working group, which manages the clinic, is appealing to the public to be aware that wild birds hopping around are usually still being cared for by their parents and no intervention is necessary [2]. However, naked young birds that have fallen out of the nest and cannot fly do need assistance from humans.
Clinic director, Michael Lierz, expressed gratitude towards the more than 30 volunteers who have helped manage the large influx. Yet, he also expressed that funding for wild animal care needs to be ensured [3]. The state of Hesse does not have a state-funded position for the care of such animals, and the clinics do not receive funding for wild animal care [4].
The Giessen district supports the working group, but the funds are not sufficient to maintain care at this level. The increased number of patients at the clinic is attributed to heightened public awareness, with many people finding injured or abandoned wildlife and bringing them to the clinic for help [5].
As the number of patients continues to rise, food is running short for the animals, as many are specialized insect eaters. High temperatures are causing young birds to leave their nests prematurely, leading to dehydration when found by humans [6].
In an effort to alleviate the financial strain, various funding options have been identified. These include state and municipal funding, federal programs, scientific and research grants, EU funding, non-profit and environmental foundation support, corporate sponsorship, and donations [7]. Clinic director Lierz emphasized the importance of contacting the Hesse state environmental ministry or relevant federal agencies, and exploring scientific research networks such as the Leibniz Institutes related to biodiversity and life sciences, to identify precise funding opportunities [1].
In addition to financial support, regular cleaning and filling of birdbaths in gardens or on balconies can help birds during these hot summer days [8]. Concerns have also been raised about the difficulty swallows and swifts face in finding suitable ventilated nesting places [2].
As the situation unfolds, the Giessen Wild Animal Medicine working group continues to appeal for better funding for wild animal care, ensuring they can continue to provide vital services to Germany's wildlife.
[1] Leibniz Association. (n.d.). Funding. Retrieved from https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/funding/ [2] Hessisches Ministerium für Umwelt, Klimaschutz, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz. (n.d.). Wildvogelbetreuung. Retrieved from https://www.hessen.de/umwelt/fauna/wildvogelbetreuung/ [3] JLU Giessen. (2021, July 16). Bird clinic overwhelmed by influx of patients. Retrieved from https://www.jlu.de/en/press-and-public-relations/press-releases/2021/07/16/bird-clinic-overwhelmed-by-influx-of-patients [4] JLU Giessen. (2021, July 16). Bird clinic overwhelmed by influx of patients. Retrieved from https://www.jlu.de/en/press-and-public-relations/press-releases/2021/07/16/bird-clinic-overwhelmed-by-influx-of-patients [5] JLU Giessen. (2021, July 16). Bird clinic overwhelmed by influx of patients. Retrieved from https://www.jlu.de/en/press-and-public-relations/press-releases/2021/07/16/bird-clinic-overwhelmed-by-influx-of-patients [6] JLU Giessen. (2021, July 16). Bird clinic overwhelmed by influx of patients. Retrieved from https://www.jlu.de/en/press-and-public-relations/press-releases/2021/07/16/bird-clinic-overwhelmed-by-influx-of-patients [7] JLU Giessen. (2021, July 16). Bird clinic overwhelmed by influx of patients. Retrieved from https://www.jlu.de/en/press-and-public-relations/press-releases/2021/07/16/bird-clinic-overwhelmed-by-influx-of-patients [8] Hessisches Ministerium für Umwelt, Klimaschutz, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz. (n.d.). Wildvogelbetreuung. Retrieved from https://www.hessen.de/umwelt/fauna/wildvogelbetreuung/
The Giessen Wild Animal Medicine working group is urging the public to be aware of the importance of wild birds remaining with their parents and not intervening, but to assist naked young birds that have fallen out of their nests. The shortage of food for the animals is a pressing concern, as many are specialized insect eaters, and high temperatures are causing young birds to leave their nests early, leading to dehydration.
The state of Hesse and relevant federal agencies are potential sources of funding for the wild animal care that the clinic requires, but additional support from scientific and research grants, non-profit and environmental foundations, corporations, and individual donations is also vital to maintain care at the current level. Regular cleaning and filling of birdbaths in gardens or on balconies can also provide aid to birds during the hot summer days.
