Pond Heron Survives Glue-trap
Not only are we finding small-sized birds caught in glue traps, but even medium-sized birds like this Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) can get trapped by these cruel devices. This adult bird was found in trouble on 26 Jun 2020 in a village in Tai Po and delivered to the KFBG Wild Animal Rescue Centre by the SPCA. Our professional animal care team carefully washed its feathers to remove the glue, then provided it with a quiet environment with minimal disturbance to start recovery. Once its condition became more stable, it was moved to a larger outdoor enclosure which provides a more natural environment so as to exercise and prepare for release. As the heron has not yet passed its flight test, it will need to stay for a little longer until its physical fitness and flight ability are strong.
Sticky traps are one of the most cruel and indiscriminate methods of rodent control. There is wide opinion that they should be banned in favour of alternative and more humane rodent-control options. If you discover a trapped animal and it is safe to do so (remember some animals though trapped could still present a danger), cover any exposed areas of the glue surface of the trap with newspaper, paper towels or other nontoxic items. Place the animal (and trap) in a secure container and move it to a warm, dark, quiet location to reduce stress and shock. Please do not attempt to handle the animal by yourself, and do not cut feathers from birds or try to remove the bird. The feathers require a long time to recover, and improper handling may cause unnecessary injury and stress. Contact SPCA emergency hotline at 2711 1000 or AFCD at 1823 for further advice and animal rescue assistance. KFBG Wild Animal Rescue Centre cares for injured wildlife in collaboration with the SPCA and AFCD.
About Chinese Pond Herons:
These birds are typically 46 cm long with a greyish-brown body and long yellow legs. White wings are obvious in flight. In the breeding season, its appearance changes radically, switching to a wine red head and neck, a greyish blue back and white underparts. They feed on frogs, fish, insects and crustaceans and they are often found in shallow fresh and saline wetlands and frequent ponds in locations such as Chinese University and Hong Kong Wetland Park.