INJURED WILDLIFE
Play your part
If you spot any sick or injured animals in the wild, your options are to either call the DoC helpline on 0800 362 468 or the Wellington SPCA on (04) 389 8044 to find out ways that you can help. Now you can also add The Nest – Te Kōhanga to this list of contacts.
There is a whole section of The Nest – Te Kōhanga devoted to looking after native wildlife. That’s where you come in.
If you are out and about around Wellington or the surrounding area and you find a native animal in need of medical assistance please don’t walk on by – together we will be able to help. Here’s how it works:
- Firstly make sure that the injured or sick animal is a native species by either calling the Department of Conservation (DoC) helpline on 0800 362 468 or by checking information on these pages:
http://www.whatbird.co.nz/index.php
http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/
- Once you are sure of its New Zealand origin, you can bring the injured animal to the front entrance of the Zoo. You can call ahead on 04 381 6755.
- Base staff will direct you up to The Nest – Te Kōhanga to meet the vets for a triage to determine whether we can treat it or not. If you’re unable to make it up to The Nest, our base staff will take the animal up for you.
We are all very enthusiastic about involving our community in the process of animal care at The Nest – Te Kōhanga.
Stay clear of the seals
Fur seals are usually very able to look after themselves. Even small and sick looking pups are probably fine and just waiting for their mother to return from the sea.
Therefore we advise you never to approach fur seals and to not try to catch them. This is not only highly unsafe, it is also illegal (Marine Mammal Protection Act). If you are still concerned, or you spot any seal caught in debris, please contact the DoC hotline (0800 362 468) and/or get further information from the DoC webpage.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/marine-mammals/seals/nz-fur-seal/you-can-help/