Two wild Pacific black ducks, suffering life-threatening injuries after being intentionally shot with metal arrows, have been treated at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.
The ducks, which the hospital veterinary team has named ‘Sunshine’ and ‘Warrior’, were brought in from Boreen Point, north of Noosa, with the arrows still lodged inside them.
Wildlife hospital supervisor and veterinarian Dr Ludo Valenza expressed her deepest concern upon assessing the injuries.
“Upon closer examination, our specialised team had to safely and carefully remove the arrows from the ducks to avoid further trauma,” she said.
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“One of the arrows had caused a severe wound inside the mouth of the duck, whereas the other arrow had been shot right into the body of the duck.
“Both patients received intensive treatment and are currently being monitored around the clock.
“The arrows that were used to shoot these ducks were homemade, and this is absolutely devastating.
“All year long we receive patients after being hit by cars, attacked by domestic pets, orphaned or if they’re suffering from disease. It is then extremely saddening to see patients who were intentionally harmed in the wild, in their natural habitat, which is supposed to be their home.
“In the past, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has admitted a brush turkey that was spray painted, a flying fox shot with a BB gun (a type of air gun) pellet, a kangaroo shot with a crossbow, and many more patients who were wrongfully harmed.
“Our incredible team is working hard to help Sunshine and Warrior recover from their injuries.”
Since 2021, Wildlife Warriors has partnered with Crime Stoppers Queensland and Australia Zoo to put an end to wildlife crime. Significant rewards are available for those providing information leading to the prosecution of those responsible for illegal acts against native wildlife, creating a new layer of protection.
“We are incredibly sad to see patients repeatedly admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after being intentionally harmed in the wild,” said renowned conservationist Robert Irwin, who calls Australia Zoo home.
“Every animal receives the highest level of treatment and care to help them fully recover, and through our state-wide partnership with Crime Stoppers Queensland, we hope to continue our lifesaving efforts in protecting our precious wildlife.”
To report a crime against native wildlife, contact Crime Stoppers Queensland on 1800 333 000 anonymously.
Meanwhile, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital staff are already elbows deep into one of the most-heartbreaking times of the year.
The hospital veterinary team is already treating 600 patients each month as it deals with ‘trauma season’ – the busiest time of the year for patients – which appears to have arrived early in 2023.
Trauma season runs from September to February each year when temperatures rise and wildlife are on the move looking for food, new areas to call home or a mate for breeding.
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An Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital media release said that during this time, patient admissions tripled, with animals regularly being admitted from car accidents and domestic pet attacks.
Among the early patients is Bryven, a koala that was injured after being attacked by two domestic dogs.
Bryven was rushed to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for emergency treatment.
He required life-saving surgery to help treat severe trauma sustained to his abdomen.
Supervisor and veterinarian Dr Ludo Valenza is urging the public to be cautious this trauma season, following “a concerning increase in the number of wildlife patients being admitted to the hospital”.
“Bryven is only three years old and suffered extensive abdominal trauma from his ordeal,” Dr Valenza said.
“I performed abdominal surgery to repair multiple areas of his intestinal tract and abdomen that had been injured during the attack.
“The severity of the situation was demonstrated to us when we recently treated nine koalas in less than 24 hours here at the wildlife hospital.
“Koalas are now listed as an endangered species, and due to habitat loss these animals are coming into contact with humans more than they would if they had plenty of bushland to live in.
“As a consequence of this, their numbers in the wild are plummeting. We need to do everything we can to save our precious national icon.”
Wildlife Warriors founder Terri Irwin said Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital had come a long way from its humble beginnings in 2004.
The facility now treats 10,000 wild animals each year.
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“Trauma season continues to have a larger effect on the natural world every year, and wildlife species need our help now more than ever,” she said.
“Whether it’s a sea turtle suffering from the soft shell syndrome, a kangaroo hit by a car, or a koala like Bryven who came into conflict with a domestic pet, our ultimate goal remains to provide the best treatment and care to animals for a second chance at life.
“I’m incredibly proud of our efforts in wildlife rehabilitation, as we strive towards creating a world where our fauna can live peacefully and in harmony with humans.”
As one of the largest and busiest purpose-built facilities in the world, the wildlife hospital is open 365 days a year to treat all native animals. The Australia Zoo Rescue Unit provides significant support to rescue and transport animals in need of help.
“By slowing down when driving at dawn and dusk, you can reduce the risk of hitting wildlife that are crossing our roads,” Dr Valenza said.
“It is important to secure your pets at night to prevent them from attacking any nocturnal animals, and by planting native trees and shrubs, you can help create habitat for wildlife in need.”
To find out about the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and how you can lend a helping hand this trauma season, visit the website.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
