Surgery in Wild Animals

Surgery of wild animals that need to be returned to the wild demands the highest levels of surgical expertise, as animals have to be 100% fit to survive in the wild, to avoid predators, and to find sufficient food.

Unfortunately, in many cases the wildlife surgical expertise and equipment available in many developing countries wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres is low, simply due to a lack of training, experience, and resources. This can result in crippled animals in chronic pain, that stay in small cages in captivity for the rest of their lives, rather than being rehabilitated and returned to the wild.

What is Our Vision?

We believe that wildlife surgery should be of the highest clinical standard, and based on the best scientific evidence. It should uphold the highest standards of animal welfare, even when of conservation importance, and have a good likelihood of a successful outcome. We believe that wildlife surgery should be audited to ensure optimum outcomes and welfare. In keeping with these goals wildlife surgery should aim to be as minimally invasive in nature and cost effective as possible. We believe that wildlife surgical procedures should be of a clear benefit to the animals, and not be undertaken in cases where less invasive or non-surgical treatments will bear equal or better results.

How Do We Achieve This?

  • By providing scientific information, educational material, and training to wildlife veterinarians needing to undertake surgery on wild animals
  • By developing surgical techniques to improve outcomes and optimise animal welfare
  • By assisting with donations of equipment needed for veterinarians undertaking wildlife surgery in the field
  • By contributing to the scientific evidence base of veterinary surgical procedures and interventions through research and publication to improve outcomes and animal welfare
  • By formulating guidelines and protocols on best clinical practice for wildlife surgery
  • By auditing the welfare and surgical outcomes of wild animals undergoing procedures
  • By formulating ethical guidelines in wildlife surgery and decision making

Surgery of wild animals that need to be returned to the wild demands the highest levels of surgical expertise, as animals have to be 100% fit to survive in the wild, to avoid predators, and to find sufficient food.

Unfortunately, in many cases the wildlife surgical expertise and equipment available in many developing countries wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres is low, simply due to a lack of training, experience, and resources. This can result in crippled animals in chronic pain, that stay in small cages in captivity for the rest of their lives, rather than being rehabilitated and returned to the wild.

Governance

We work with established charities, which we scrutinize for their animal ethics and welfare. We also ensure that good financial governance is in place to ensure every cent is used to best effect to help wildlife patients.