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The most labour-intensive work in wildlife rehabilitation is the
day-to-day care and feeding of animals. Incapacitated adult and
neonate animals must be hand-fed, cleaned frequently and given medical
care.
Once injuries or pathogens have been treated, the animal's recovery
depends on the quality of supportive care.
Physical examination, triage and stabilization are discussed in
the Medical Care
section of Wildlife Care. When the animal has been warmed, treated,
rehydrated and evaluated, its care and feeding protocols must be
established.
All adult animals and many young animals (depending upon stage
of development) experience stress in captivity.
Adult animals are very vulnerable when they are ill or injured;
they are far more likely to suffer from capture myopathy and stress-related
problems than are young animals. The rehabilitator who works with
adult wildlife is challenged to manage wounds, medicate, force-feed
and clean patients who are fearful, uncooperative and sometimes
aggressive.
The caging and housing requirements of full-grown animals in recovery
can limit the number of animals in care. Many species require a
great deal of room, especially when they have recovered and are
being prepared for release. Many species cannot be housed with or
near other animals.
A rehabilitator who is just beginning to work with adult wildlife
should undertake training in capture and restraint. Those who work
with large mammal species may need to be familiar with tranquillizing
agents. Zoos and zoo personnel are good resources for those who
do not have large rehabilitation centers and experienced rehabilitators
nearby with whom to consult.
Captive Stress
Capture myopathy is discussed in the Capture
and Restraint section of Wildlife Care. Many animals are barely
conscious or are unconscious when they are rescued, and in that
case, capture myopathy is less of a concern. However, captive stress
affects all adult animals.
Stress is a physical response to anything that is out of the ordinary.
The body is stressed by pathogens, injuries, pain, heat, cold and
lack of food or water, regardless of whether the animal is free
or in captivity. However, the captive animal also experiences fear,
anxiety, loss of control, loss of privacy, loss of free choice and
often, loss of conspecifics or family.
The stress of unfamiliar surroundings, food, smells and sounds,
coupled with the physical trauma and pain of injuries or pathogens,
can have a cumulative effect on the animal. Stress, if not recognized
and treated, can kill.
When an animal is frightened or feels threatened, it experiences
an "adrenaline rush": the 'fight or flight' response is
triggered. Among many physiological reactions, the heart rate increases,
pupils dilate, and digestion slows or stops. The sphincter may loosen,
and the animal may experience diarrhea. When this process is triggered
again and again each time the animal is treated, fed or cleaned,
ultimately the immune system is depressed and the animal weakens.
It is for this reason that pathogens can overtake animals in rehabilitation.
Post mortem examinations show the combined effects of stress and
disease.
To minimize stress as much as possible:
- Establish a routine. If the animal learns to expect your attention
at certain intervals or times of day, it can prepare itself.
- Do not make eye contact with the animal, crowd it or make sudden
moves.
- Keep noise to an absolute minimum, and if conversation is necessary,
talk in low tones.
- When handling is necessary (wound cleaning, removal of bedding,
tube feeding, etc.), have the required equipment ready so that
you do not disrupt the care routine. Animals are often calmer
if their eyes are hooded when they are undergoing treatment or
tube feeding.
- Do not allow domestic animals or children into the area. Wild
animals should never be exposed to domestic animals for reasons
of mutual safety (e.g. transmissible diseases, aggression). Wild
animals should not become used to the sight or sounds of domestic
animals; once they are released, they must be properly wary of
cats, dogs and humans.
- Do not wear perfume or strongly scented personal care products.
If possible, wear clothing that is plain, dark-coloured and without
pattern. By wearing a 'uniform' such as this, or a lab coat, the
animal will learn to recognize you and relax somewhat.
- Expose the animal to as few caregivers as possible.
- Keep the animal's photoperiod as close to natural as possible,
and keep the temperature at a setting that is comfortable to it.
If possible, the animal should be exposed to unfiltered natural
light or broad spectrum U.V. light for at least ½ hour
each day. To ensure it is receiving adequate vitamin D, use a
multivitamin supplement that includes it if it does not occur
in the diet.
- If the animal is not on a special diet, offer as many of its
natural foods as possible.
- Offer the animal opportunity to hide and shelter - give it privacy.
Information on the care of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians,
information on nutrition and a list of supplies can be found on
the menu to the right.
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