All birds are carefully assessed on arrival and a plan made to achieve the best outcome for the bird, including a visit to our vet if needed.
Most birds are treated and cared for on site at our Green Bay centre. Once a bird is deemed ready, it is released – either in a supported environment where food is still provided or back into the wild, ideally close to where it was found. We also have a number of approved foster carers who will take young non-native birds such as sparrow, thrush and blackbirds and look after them on our behalf. This helps us manage the enormous number of birds over the busy summer season. Native birds can only be cared for by organisations like us that have a DOC permit.
We are always looking for people to assist with fostering, as well as for suitable release environments for geese, turkey, ducks and other farm and game birds, so please let us know if you can help.