News Release Archive
YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS--REHABILITATING INJURED BIRDS --------------------------------------------------------------- Two young people are helping injured birds and educating Halifax area residents about wildlife and environmental stewardship. Erika and Kendra Toby opened Flyaway Bird Rehabilitation Centre in May with the help of concerned citizens and organizations. By teaming up with the Department of the Environment's Youth Environmental Challenge program, Erika and Kendra were able to make their project what it is now. They began by securing funding, building cages, establishing release sites, organizing educational events, and making contact with local vets and animal shelters. The need for bird rehabilitation facilities in Nova Scotia motivated the students to see the project through. According to Erika, "Before this summer, most injured birds were euthanised by veterinarians or the SPCA. However, this summer at our centre, we've been able to care for over 200 birds and release about 100 back to the wild." Based at Dalhousie University, Erika and Kendra take wild birds that are sick, injured, or orphaned. With the guidance of local veterinarians, the two university students are able to diagnose and treat most problems. Once the birds have recuperated, volunteers help release the birds back to the wild. Erika and Kendra believe that through their work this summer they can make people aware of the negative impact people's activities can have on wildlife, especially birds. "Cats are birds' primary predators -millions of bird deaths occur each year in Canada because of domestic cats. The solution is simple, cat owners should keep their cats indoors, especially at dusk and dawn," Kendra said. Information about the Flyaway Bird Rehabilitation Centre can be obtained by calling 422-5574. The project is funded by the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps through the Youth Environmental Challenge program, the Dalhousie Science Society, private donations, Action 21, and Friends of the Environment. -30- Contact: Amanda Lavers 902-424-8207 mfm Aug.20, 1996 3:45 p.m.