BirdCare Aotearoa

BirdCare Aotearoa describes itself as New Zealand's largest wild bird hospital and rehabilitation centre. It is a registered charity and a Department of Conservation (DOC) permitted wildlife rehabilitation centre, trusted to care for endangered and at-risk species. Patients are brought in by members of the public, and the centre also takes rescues from DOC, Auckland Council, Watercare and other environmental organisations. Its team of wildlife rehabilitators, researchers and consulting vets follows DOC guidelines and those of the Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of New Zealand (WReNNZ), of which it is a member.

Every patient is examined in a triage ward and given its own care and rehabilitation plan. The hospital has a general ward, a seabird clinic, an intensive care unit for birds with serious injuries and nurseries for raising orphaned chicks. Recovering birds rebuild their strength in outdoor aviaries and swimming pools before release, with the aim of returning every healthy bird to the wild. Patients range from kererū, ruru (morepork) and kōtare (kingfishers) to kororā (little penguins), petrels and dotterels. The team also answers around 17,000 phone calls a year from the public, vets and other rehabilitators, helps with animal abuse investigations and monitors infectious bird diseases for the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Found a bird? Sick or injured native birds can be brought to 74 Avonleigh Road, Green Bay, between 10am and 2pm on Sundays to Wednesdays and Fridays (it cannot admit birds on Thursdays or Saturdays, and is closed from 24 December to 4 January). It does not take chickens or pet birds. Outside these hours, contact a local or emergency vet, or DOC's 24/7 hotline on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) for advice on native wildlife. Report groups of three or more sick or dead birds to MPI's exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

How to help: donate through its Givealittle page or website, become a Friend of BirdCare Aotearoa with a regular gift, volunteer, sponsor or partner with the centre, or buy from its online shop. BirdCare Aotearoa is registered under the Charities Act 2005 (CC37288), so donations over $5 qualify for New Zealand's tax credit.