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 with Wildlife and Exotic Species

Senior Veterinary Nurse Serena studied veterinary nursing before getting her placement in KFBG. She has now worked here for almost 10 years, driven by her love of working with diverse species. "Every day brings exciting new things to see and learn. I still find the clinical cases fascinating. Observing an animal's recovery, rehabilitation, and successful release is incredibly rewarding." Like many of her colleagues, Serena's deep affection for animals is what sustains her passion in this career.

As Veterinary Nurse On Duty

Serena recounts some of the most critical cases she has handled, highlighting the threats faced by wildlife. "I've seen a range of life-threatening situations – a porcupine with extensive intestinal injuries from a feral dog attack, a wild boar with a spinal fracture and paralysis after being hit by a car, a barking deer trapped in fencing or a water catchment with dog bite wounds, a pangolin with a bacterial infection in its tail after a feral dog attack, a Eurasian tree sparrow stuck on a glue trap, a black-crowned night heron that ingested a fish hook, and a house swift entangled in human hair used for nesting material." These heartbreaking incidents demonstrate the urgent need for the team's expertise and dedication in saving Hong Kong's wildlife.

Serena stressed the paramount importance of handling wildlife with care and caution. Thorough knowledge and hands-on experience are essential for providing these animals the proper care they require, as improper handling can potentially endanger both the animal and the staff. "Long-beaked birds like egrets and herons could potentially poke the eye if not handled properly. Similarly, the sharp talons of eagles and owls pose a risk of puncturing the skin and muscles if the bird is gripped too tightly. Additionally, applying excessive pressure could restrict the bird's breathing and lead to its asphyxiation. Extreme care must be taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both the animal and the handler during any necessary physical interaction."

As Local Wildlife Monitor Off-Duty

Serena's dedication to safeguarding wildlife goes beyond her professional role. She keeps a "rescue box" – a plastic container with air holes and soft towels in her car, ready to aid any fallen baby birds she may encounter. As many Hongkongers know, the Tai Po Egretry hosts a sizable population of egrets, particularly during breeding season. Whenever Serena passes the egretry, she actively scans the area, vigilantly searching for any helpless individuals in need of assistance. "When I come across a baby bird on the ground, I first look for any adult birds guarding or feeding it, in case the parents are still actively caring for the nestling." Other than her love for animals, Serena's motivation for saving wildlife also comes from a sense of responsibility. "Sadly, human activity has destroyed so much wildlife habitat and put many species at risk – from roadkill and window strikes to abandoned pets and habitat loss. We should save and rehabilitate injured wildlife as a way to support their survival and mitigate the harm we've caused to their natural environments. It's the least we can do."

Just recently, Serena rescued two baby egrets she encountered at the Tai Po Egretry. While passing through, she spotted one baby egret sitting helplessly in the middle of a crossroad, and another standing alone on a staircase, with no adult birds nearby. Without hesitation, Serena decided to bring both vulnerable nestlings directly back to the Rescue Centre during her day off. Currently, the young egrets are receiving dedicated care from the rehabilitation team, and Serena eagerly anticipates their safe and healthy return to the wild in the near future.

Let’s Safeguard Our Wildlife Together

Other than the little egrets, Serena has saved other wild animals before thanks to her active monitoring efforts. An unforgettable experience is saving a suspected botulism Black-wing Stilt from Long Valley. Since the bird was weakly sitting in the middle of the shallow water muddy pond, she had to step into the mud, "I removed my hiking shoes and socks, rolled up my athletic pants, and approached the bird slowly and carefully on foot."

As a caring animal lover, Serena reminds everyone who sees a baby bird in need to follow the guidelines provided by KFBG (see below). She cautions, "Feeding the birds immediately is not advisable, as they could be dehydrated and weak, putting them at risk of choking on food and dying. When it comes to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, it's about more than just feeding – the science and techniques required for successful rehabilitation are complex.” Knowing one's limitations is important, and when in doubt, it's best to avoid personal interference and call SPCA at 2711 1000, AFCD at 1823 or KFBG at 2483 7200 / 6713 9881 for guidance, to ensure the safety of both the animals and oneself.

Wishes During the 30^th Anniversary

During the 30^th anniversary of the rescue centre, Serena hopes that more passionate manpower can join the team. In addition, she hopes that public education about proper wildlife rescue will be more influential. "I really don't want to see more animals suffer due to incorrect care practices. For example, improper diet and feeding techniques can lead to issues like soft bones or fractures from calcium or vitamin D3 deficiencies. Incorrect handling, such as cleaning a bird without proper drying, may cause hypothermia and even death. And the mistaken idea of keeping wildlife as pets can result in imprinting or tameness, preventing the animals from being released back to the wild." Serena sincerely hopes that the general public will learn more about wildlife rehabilitation and animal welfare. Although the team cannot save every single animal, they try their best despite the limitations.

A community is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, not all of whom may be wildlife experts. However, if we each make the effort to educate ourselves and take whatever actions we can, even small contributions can add up to make a meaningful difference. We should cherish our close bond with nature and follow the example of those who work to appreciate and protect it, recognizing that we all have more to learn when it comes to safeguarding our wildlife.

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: Serena Chung (Senior Veterinary Nurse)