Rescue successes
Rescue Successes
2010
Based on the experiences of 2009, we expected even more rescued animals at the conservation rescue center than everbefore. Accordingly, we tried to increase the available space. Due to the spring rains and floods, we received many orphaned cubs and chicks, in addition to injured, sick, and weakened animals.
Following the practice that started in 2009, in 2010 were patriated only ringed birds. This work was carried out inclose cooperation with experts from the Fertő-Hanság National Park and the North Transdanubian Environmental, Nature Conservation, and Water Management Inspectorate. We expanded the number of bird boxes placed in the zoo and promoted bird-friendly activities that could be done at home, around the house.
Among our permanent programs is our Birds and Trees Day event, for which we invite school groups to register. This year, once again, we received a large number of birds. More than 80 percent of the species we received were birds. Species such asthe red-footed falcon, the long-eared owl, the goldfinch, themeadow pipit, the little egret, the lapwing, the treecreeper, and the goshawk were among those that came to our shelter. Inaddition, we also received roe deer, early bats, and species such as beavers and European hedgehogs. At the rescuecenter, we cared for 102 individuals of 35 species, 30% of which were repatriated
2009
The conservation rescue work that began in 2008 continued. Compared to previous years, there was a significant increasein the number of injured native animals received. During theyear, a total of 39 species and 128 individuals were treated at the rescue center, 35% of which were repatriated, or ifrepatriation was not possible, they were relocated. Thisrepresents a slight increase in success rate compared to the prevírus year, while the number of individuals nearly doubled. The most commonly admitted species in 2009 were asfollows: common buzzard, long-eared owl, blackbird, whitestork, barn swallow, sparrowhawk, house martin, red squirrel, early bat, eastern hedgehog, marsh turtle, and roe deer. Inaddition to these, a few rarer species were also brought to the rescue center, including the black stork, yellow-headedwarbler, green woodpecker, and little grebe. The majority of the animals that arrived at the rescue center were chicks, while the most common injuries in adult animals were caused by car accidents, electrocution, and collisions with windows. Due to the increased number of individuals, it became necessary toexpand the rescue center, primarily due to the large number of chicks. Accordingly, a heated room suitable for chick rearing was established, and it was equipped with the necessary toolsand consumables.
To improve the organization of conservation rescue work, the Xantus János Zoo joined the discussions initiated in 2009 by the Hungarian Society of Wildlife and Zoo Veterinarians, as well as the Ministry of Environment and Water. The goal of these discussions was to develop a unified domestic rescue protocol and to enhance cooperation between institutions involved in conservation rescue work.
2008
In 2008, the zoo fully built a 30-meter-long flight cage with its own resources, where injured wild birds arriving at the zoo’srescue center can be housed. The flight cage is suitable for birds requiring intensive care and for holding animals prior to repatriation, as its size allows for flight practice.
A total of 70 animals were admitted to the rescue center during 2008, the majority of which were birds.
The list of incoming animals is attached, but in summary, about 30% of the 70 animals received were repatriated, which is considered average. In terms of intrinsic value, this percentage exceeds 40%. The total intrinsic value of all the animals admitted approached 2.5 million forints, but more importantly, we successfully repatriated individuals of endangered species such as the otter, long-eared owl, tawnyowl, and little owl.
Among the bird species that arrived at the rescue center, the most common were the common buzzard, long-eared owl, blackbird, and white stork, while the highest number of mammals admitted were eastern hedgehogs.
