10:49am Thursday 10th December 2009
By Therasa Paul
THE Wildlife Hospital at Newton Tony has had some unusual patients recently.
A red kite was found in Ramsbury near Marlborough with concussion and after being nursed at the hospital, it went to the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s centre near Andover for ten days for some flying practice before being released where it was found.
Marilyn Boyes Korkis who runs the hospital with her husband, Mike, said: “The red kite didn’t eat at first and it was really touch and go. Then when it started to get better, it became more lively. At that stage we have to get them flying so we take the birds to the Hawk Conservancy Trust for their last bit of rehabilitation.
“We have had feedback since. The gamekeeper who called us leaves food out for the kites, and this red kite was following him around.”
A juvenile gannet landed in a field next to the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s centre and they contacted the wildlife hospital as they only deal with birds of prey.
After two nights at the hospital, the gannet was taken to a seabird rescue centre in Devon.
After strong winds, another juvenile gannet was taken in by the hospital. This one came from Wroughton near Swindon and was quite weak.
Marilyn and Mike have had feedback from the seabird rescue centre that the gannet is now a lot better and is preening itself, which will put the waterproofing back into its plumage.
The wildlife hospital has a young roe deer, picked up after being hit by a car at Laverstock. She had no broken bones and can be released soon.
They also have a lot of hedgehogs and donations of meat-based jelly cat food and old towels will be welcome at the centre at New Farm, 1 Amesbury Road, Newton Tony.
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