A Peek into Daily life at Liberty Part 2

Medical Service volunteers other jobs include giving the daily medication of all animals in the ICU. This curve billed thrasher was pretty mad about the oral injection of antibiotics he received. We also monitor the weights of emaciated animals. This thrasher is weighed every day and if he is not gaining weight we force feed him. This sounds harsh, but once he starts gaining weight, his appetite will pick up, giving him the best chance for survival. If you are wondering how we possibly weigh this feisty little guy...well a burrito wrap of course! ↓

Bigger birds like the osprey below require a partner and gloves or a well-placed towel. One volunteer holds the legs of the bird firmly and stays vigilant so that no person goes to close to 1.) the talons and 2.) the beak. This osprey was particularly difficult because of his enormous wingspan, so my hand was unable to keep the wings folded, thus I used my arm (not necessarily recommended). The other volunteer performs the assessment, gives the medicine, force feeds or wraps a wing or foot. Whatever needs to be done.

Or in the case of this California condor, three volunteers were required: 1.) Talon duty 2.) Beak duty 3.) Medical procedures.

In the unfortunate event that a bird for whatever reason does not survive, the feather repository steps in. This flicker wing with beautiful orange feather will go to a tribe that has requested them. Flicker feathers are prized by medicine men used in healing ceremonies.

CG