This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens' (KFBG) Wild Animal Rescue Centre (WARC). To commemorate this milestone, the frontline staff from the rescue and rehabilitation team of the Fauna Conservation Department share their experiences and the passion that drives their work over the years. As we continue our mission in wild animal rehabilitation, let's delve into the dedication and insights of the WARC team.

Dedicated Careers Fuelled by a Love of Nature and Animals

Senior Veterinarian Alex has been with the Fauna Conservation Department for over 19 years, and his love of animals and the dynamic nature of the work are what motivate him. "There is never a day that is the same as another. As for why I became a vet, it's a common story – most vets say they wanted to be a vet since childhood. I'm no different. We grew up with vocations and passions, initially driven by a love for animals, and eventually a desire to medically care for them." Alex's interest in veterinary work was further nurtured by his family background, "I spent a lot of time on farms as my father was from a farming background. I would spend time in the farmyards, chasing cows, chickens, and ducks, which further fuelled my aspiration to become a vet."

For Wildlife Rehabilitation Officer Bibi, her deep affection for this work stems from her love of animals and the profound meaning she finds in her responsibilities. With over a decade of experience on the team, Bibi affirms, “I believe wildlife rehabilitation helps lessen the impact of human development and destruction of nature.” Assistant Wildlife Rehabilitation Officer Peter, who started as a volunteer before transitioning to part-time and now full-time staff over the past 4 years, shares a strong preference for outdoor work and proximity to nature. As he explains, "Compared to office work, I prefer working outdoors." Though their paths to animal rescue differ, the staff's unwavering passion for nature is a unifying thread."

Unforgettable Moments and Meticulous Care

The work in the Rescue Centre can be highly dynamic, and the staff have each experienced unique and memorable moments. For Bibi, some of the most cherished moments include helping a baby Fruit Bat reunite with its mother and successfully hand-raising and releasing the first group of Waterhen Chicks.

The job involves more than just hands-on animal care – it also requires the team to carefully construct living spaces tailored to the needs of different species. As Peter explains, "we chop down the woods from fallen trees, collect useful branches, set up the enclosures." The team also approaches each animal's treatment and rehabilitation with individualized attention, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. As Peter notes, "For birds with limited flight capability, we set up the enclosure in a way that keeps them closer to the ground to prevent further harm from falls. Additionally, for birds that have lost feathers due to glue traps, we make extra efforts to keep them warm."

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Lifelong Learning

One of the greatest challenges faced by the team is the increasing number of animal admissions. From Alex's veterinary perspective, managing novel or uncommon diseases in different species is a significant challenge. "We often have to shift our focus from individual-level care to group-level management, especially for animal confiscation cases. The scale of operations, in terms of facilities, staffing, medications, and overall resources, has to continuously evolve to keep up with the growing demands."

Overcoming these challenges requires a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning. Ongoing self-study, as well as collaboration and knowledge-sharing with colleagues and external networks, are crucial. As Alex states, "We regularly attend conferences and seminars, not only to learn but also to share our own experiences and insights. This type of networking and continuous education is essential to staying current and adapting our practices to the ever-changing circumstances," While there is no single, universal approach to animal rehabilitation, the team finds the challenge of encountering new animals and situations to be a uniquely rewarding experience.

Wild Animals as Patients, Not Pets

As a Wildlife Rehabilitator, Peter believes that wild animals should not be viewed as human companions or pets. "After all, wild animals are a part of nature. As our goal is rehabilitation and release, animals with less attachment to humans tend to fare better. I try not to form too much personal emotional attachment to them." Alex's perspective is similar, as he says, "I see animals as patients, not pets. There are certainly animal cases that are more rewarding than others, but I refrain from getting emotionally invested." The rescue centre's ultimate aim is for the animals to return to their natural habitats, so developing close relationships between the animals and humans is discouraged. The staff treasure the moments spent caring for the animals, but are even more relieved when the animals are successfully released.

Goals and Priorities for the Future

Through years of experience, Bibi has witnessed animals suffer due to improper care by well-intentioned members of the public. She emphasizes that wildlife rehabilitation is a specialized profession, "Instead of attempting to intervene on your own, we sincerely encourage the public to trust and work with your local licensed wildlife rehabilitator." Education plays an important part in raising public awareness, and the fauna team is committed to intensifying the efforts in this area in the coming years.

Looking ahead, the rescue centre will need to be highly adaptable to the evolving reality of receiving thousands of animals each year. As indicated by Alex, "Everything is interconnected – from facilities and holdings to veterinary expertise, staffing and overall operations. The centre will likely need to expand its frontline presence, with more staff and veterinarians, to keep pace with the increasing demand." The long-term plan is to ensure the centre's ability to effectively protect local wildlife populations in the years to come.

The Wild Animal Rescue Centre's 30 years of operation is a significant milestone, demonstrating the resilience, passion and dedication of the staff. Their continued commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating local wildlife has been the driving force behind the centre's important work over the decades. As the WARC looks ahead to the future, its track record of consistent, compassionate care will serve as an inspiration to all who support its mission of wildlife conservation.

About WARC: Established in 1994, the Wild Animal Rescue Centre is the only non-governmental organization in Hong Kong with a special licence issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Our mission revolves around the rescue and rehabilitation of indigenous animals as well as those possessing significant conservational value. Following their recovery, we release them back into the wild or relocate non-native confiscated species to suitable overseas habitats.

Author: Milky Suen (Education Officer, Fauna Conservation Department)
Interviewee: Alex Grioni (Senior Veterinarian), Bibi Wan (Wildlife Rehabilitation Officer), Peter Mok (Assistant Wildlife Rehabilitation Officer)