CoroLife 60P 15SPR FIN-LR-redWLinksREV3

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“This one was rescued twice.
I had him in my care for a
month and released it from
a cliff above Matarangi, as
petrels need a high cliff to take
off from. It was spotted on
the rocks a week later. Only
time really I went to rescue it
myself with my husband. Not
so brave abseiling down cliffs
anymore...”
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Annemieke Kregting is a dynamic ‘Bird Lady’ who has been running
her rehab centre from her home in Kuaotunu for ten years. She
started Bird Rescue Kuaotunu when, in 2005 “someone brought a
duckling to me, which I raised and released when it was an adult”.
Her work is voluntary, but she is well qualified: a Holland-trained
veterinary nurse. “When I moved to New Zealand, I worked for an
Auckland clinic owned by an avian specialist associated with the Bird
Rescue Society, Auckland Zoo and Kelly Tarlton Underwater World”.
Annemieke now holds a wildlife rehabilitation permit from DOC, and is a
member of WReNNZ, a network of NZ rehabbers.
“I consult Peninsula Veterinary services, and they are supportive,
providing treatment, materials and drugs.” She devotes a quarter acre to
her bird operation: large pens, carrying cages, and a bach converted to
a 20-cage bird hospital. What does she do with so many beaks to feed
when she has to leave? “I still have two casual jobs. Some needy birds –
currently a fledgling and a ducking – come to work with me.”
Bird
Rescue
Kuaotunu By Carol
Wright
State Highway 25, Whenuakite
OPEN SEVEN DAYS 10.00am – 4.00pm
h 07 8663725
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07 866 4480 • Blackjack Rd, Kuaotunu
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espresso shop!
Serving up mean
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Gallery & Cafe Hours
8 till 3 7 Days
Kitchen 11 till 8•Fri-Sun
Hours increasing for Summer
Check website Gallery & Cafe
Check out our menu and more online
“At the moment I have 5 woodpidgeons that have been
handfed (force fed). Orphaned ducklings, and about 14
thrushes and blackbird juveniles that have been hand-reared
but soon to be released”.
This juvenile morepork
owl crashed into a window
and hurt its wings.
“Weighing-in time to work
out medication dosage.
The owl was pretty scared
here, but I‘m happy to say,
I just released it!”
Below, Annemieke cares
for a duckling. “They need
constant warmth,” she
says. And regular feedings.
She often takes birds with
her to keep up with the
bird’s needs.
One typical day for this rehabber: “Feeding
and cleaning everything before I go to choir
practice, and dropping off baby birds at
volunteer foster friends...” And another
day’s to-do list: “Am away tracking down
a kiwi (Brave Heart), weighing and taking
measurements with Project Kiwi at Waitaia.
I do not yet care for kiwis here, but am
learning to. Oh, I am taking the morepork
owl (seen above) for release at same time”.
For lots more info and inspirational photos,
including a poster (12 October) of what to do if
you find a baby bird, see
Kuaotunu-Bird-Rescue.
Bookings Essential • 07 866 5343 •
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392 SH 25 • KUAOTUNU • WHITIANGA
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