Zoo: Take care aiding baby birds

Not all baby birds found on the ground actually need help, Wellington Zoo is warning.

The zoo is aiming to educate people this summer about what to do when they find native birds that might need care.

“If anyone does see an injured baby that they’re concerned about, if they’re not sure if it’s injured or if it’s showing natural behaviour for that species they can always give us a call,” said Baukje Lenting, senior vet at the zoo’s animal hospital, The Nest Te Kohanga.

If baby birds have no feathers or their nest is on the ground, it’s likely they’re nestlings and might need help. But if they’re older, they could be fine.

Some older baby birds, fledglings, will spend time on the ground while their parents watch, coming down regularly to feed them, Lenting said.

“So if they find something on the ground, it’s not necessarily cause for concern.”

People who aren’t sure whether the bird is abandoned or not should watch from a distance to see if the parents return. If not, they could call the zoo, DoC, or the SPCA for advice.

If the bird is visibly injured, is holding a wing or leg strangely, or is bleeding, it should also be brought in.

If a featherless baby bird is found, first look for a nest and try to put it back in, then wait to see if the mother returns. Again, if the parents do not come back, the babies will need help.

The centre has a range of birdlife being cared for, including fledgling kereru, a young kakariki hit by a car, an adult tui with an injured shoulder, a shag, and two little blue penguins with eye and abdomen injuries.