A Long Road to Recovery

September 19, 2010

This kereru (native wood pigeon, threatened status) is named Navarro, and is a good example of many injured kereru that are brought into The Sanctuary. Like most birds, they cannot see glass, and fly at full speed into windows. If they don’t break their neck and die outright, they suffer a major concussion (swelling on the brain) as well as shoulder and spinal injuries. This means they cannot fly, and are sometimes temporarily blind due to the pressure behind their eyes. Navarro was found next to a glass greenhouse. In addition to serious head injuries, his spine was compressed – which meant that his legs were paralysed and didn’t work at all. Navarro couldn’t sit up or balance. He laid on his side, or fell forward on his beak. He’d had no food or water for several days, and was dehydrated. (But he was lucky, because he wasn’t killed by a passing cat or dog, which often happens while they’re helpless on the ground.) We put a tube into Navarro’s crop to give him liquid and medicine, and for several days fed him pureed fruit through the same tube. As he regained strength we hand fed him chopped fruit 3 times a day until he was able to eat on his own. Our volunteer Erika (photo) was very patient with the hand feeding! Navarro gradually regained his balance and the use of his legs. It has taken several weeks, but he now moves around really well and is able to perch on a branch. Navarro has been transferred to a rehab aviary where he can exercise his wings, and should soon learn to fly again. It’s a long process, but we’re amazed at how well these birds recover given enough time and care. You can help prevent these injuries by hanging a string of decorative beads, shells, etc in each of your large windows. Birds see these and avert their flight. It’s a simple thing, but it saves lives. Thanks!!