Lithuanian woman undertakes monumental effort to nurse injured stork back to health.
Stuck in a pickle with a stork that flew into your house? Don't panic, let's sort this out! Olga, a local resident from Vilnius, found herself in this exact situation and reached out for help. She spent a grueling 12 hours attempting to find assistance, but the usual services like Kaunas and 112 couldn't provide immediate help.
Olga's plea eventually reached the Wildlife Care Centre at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, yet the specialists could only offer advice over the phone, citing a heavy workload. Not much of a solution, Olga thought, as they told her, "If it dies, then call us." Eventually, the centre's staff stepped in to examine the injured stork.
Selemonas Paltanavičius, a nature expert, spoke to Olga over the phone. He admitted that evaluating a bird's condition without seeing it in person is challenging. However, he warned that if the stork seems unresponsive with a broken neck or spinal injury, it might be too late for treatment. He also cautioned about the potential danger posed by even a weakened stork: "You have to be very careful of the beak. Sometimes the bird seems completely helpless, but storks in particular can peck fiercely."
So, if you ever find a stork trapped in your home and require assistance, here are some tips to help out:
- Look for Local Experts: Search for local wildlife rescue services or organizations specializing in bird rescue. They can provide professional assistance and guidance on handling the situation safely.
- Wear Protective Gear: If you need to handle the stork, wear gloves and possibly a face mask to protect yourself from potential scratches or bites.
- Use a Secure Container: Gently guide the stork into a secure, covered container using a towel or cloth to avoid direct contact. Ensure the container is large enough for the stork to stand comfortably.
- Ensure Safety: Keep the stork away from domestic pets and other hazards.
- Offer Water: Provide water for the stork to drink but avoid offering food unless instructed by a wildlife expert.
- Transport to a Rescue Center: If the stork is injured or stressed, transport it to a local wildlife rehabilitation center or a veterinarian experienced in handling birds.
bonus tips:
- Minimal Handling: If the stork appears injured, minimize handling to prevent further stress or injury.
- Document the Situation: Take photos or videos for identification purposes if needed by local authorities or wildlife experts.
By following these steps, you can help ensure the stork's safety and well-being until professional assistance arrives. Remember, use caution, and let's help our feathered friends!
- For cases where you find yourself in a situation requiring assistance with a stork that has invaded your home, consider seeking help from home-and-garden experts who specialize in wildlife rescue, in addition to the usual services.
- To minimize risks during the handling of the stork, consider implementing lifestyle changes like regularly wearing protective gear such as gloves and masks, especially when dealing with wild animals.
