Much-loved native birds, including kereru (wood pigeons) and hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), are likely to be regular patients when Wildlife Hospital Dunedin opens next year.
And treating these precious creatures does not come cheap, Wildlife Hospital Trust chairman Andy Cunningham says.
"So, I thought it would be good to look at how much it actually costs to treat injured birds, such as kereru and hoiho,'' Mr Cunningham said.
Adding up the retail cost of procedures such as X-rays, surgery, blood tests, bandages, food, medication and the time of wildlife veterinarian Dr Lisa Argilla and a nurse, the cost of treating a yellow-eyed penguin would be $1330.
For a kereru, the cost would come in at about $1230.
"So, given that the wildlife hospital is aiming to treat up to 500 animals and birds per year, the cost is going to mount up,'' Mr Cunningham said.
In order to offset some of the cost, the Wildlife Hospital Trust was hoping to be able to buy its own X-ray machine and other specialised equipment.
Fundraising to cover the ongoing costs of operating Wildlife Hospital Dunedin is a major focus for the trustees, who are applying for grants, speaking with businesses, calling on the public for donations and coming up with fundraising ideas.
The Star is supporting the cause with our "Saving Our Native Species'' campaign, which aims to raise $60,000 by Christmas.
This week's donations for the campaign were $3261, bringing the overall total so far to $24,254.11.
Mr Cunningham said the way the trust was set up meant 98 cents in every $1 donated would go directly to the cost of treatment.
A new development for the trust is the design and printing of Wildlife Hospital Dunedin T-shirts, which will be available for sale soon - details next week.
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
How to donate
The Wildlife Hospital Dunedin Trust needs your support to raise at least $60,000 to fund equipment and a veterinary nurse’s salary.
Ongoing funding will also be needed to help pay for medicines, bandages and other equipment in the hospital’s first year. All donations, large and small, will make a difference.
• You can make a bank transfer or set up an automatic payment to account number: 12-3150-0161217-00
• To donate online, visit www.wildlifehospitaldunedin.org.nz/donate.
• Send a cheque to: The Wildlife Hospital Trust, 40 Sutcliffe St, St Clair, Dunedin 9012.
• Givealittle: Go to givealittle.co.nz, search for The Wildlife Hospital Dunedin.
