The Centre operates extensively
with organisations such as the RSPCA, local veterinary
practices and Lancashire Constabulary. Recently we have
been granted Charity status allowing us to hopefully
develop into one of the major centres for the care and
rehabilitation of raptors in the north west.
Each year, many young, orphaned, injured or mistreated
birds that are unable to fend for themselves arrive
at the Centre. We provide a safe haven for them to continue
their development, and, with careful attention, are
eventually returned to the wild. Thankfully, the majority
after a little care and attention will eventually be
returned to their rightful place in the wild. We also
have facilities for birds with more serious injuries,
that having received veterinary treatment can recuperate
in a calm and peaceful environment. These birds are
our longer stay patients.
We pride ourselves on the high rate of success in returning
these individuals back to their natural habitat. Often
we care for exhausted or undernourished birds that,
after spending a few days' rest with us are then released.
Unfortunately there are many birds which have been so
mistreated, either physically or mentally, that they
these individuals very often have to spend the rest
of their lives with us as they are so psychologically
damaged. They are unable to survive in their natural
habitat. We do however gain satisfaction as soon as
they begin to respond to our care and attention, quickly
settling into their new surroundings where they can
be assured of comfort and quality of life.
The Centre goes to schools, centres and organisations
to talk about native birds, to advise what to do if
they are found and where to take them if injured. Thankfully
the majority do return back to the wild, but it is a
sad fact that in today's world, specialised centres
have to exist to care for and rehabilitate birds of
prey.
Our Facilities are amongst the best in the North West
and include a hospital facility with fully equipped
intensive care unit. This gives sick and injured birds
a controlled environment with the correct levels of
heat and light to aid a successful recovery. This is
most important as the first 48 hours are the most critical
and it is the attention which the bird receives during
this period which will have the most influence on the
likelihood of its recovery. It is precisely because
we have these facilities and the experience, that organisation
such as the RSPCA, RSPB and police entrust so many birds
into our care.
If we are to release the birds, they will be kept in
seclusion aviaries to avoid any imprinting. These are
specially designed to reduce contact with humans to
the absolute minimum and help prepare the bird for eventual
release. We also have a number of hacking aviaries in
carefully selected locations throughout the region.
These act as a kind of 'half-way house' where birds
destined to be released in s suitable habitat may spend
their last time in captivity well away from human contact
and gives them the opportunity to adjust to their new
surroundings.
Our aviaries are purpose designed, offering the birds
the optimum amount of space, minimum disturbance and
as natural a surrounding as is possible. For instance
all our aviaries contain swinging perches to replicate
the motion of tree branches - vital if a bird is to
be released. It is little touches like this which only
comes with experience, but which increase our costs.
What to do if you find an injured bird
Do
• Make sure it's in a safe place, away from any
further disturbance.
• Check to see if there's any young around Call
the RSPCA or RSPB. The Police will be able to give you
their number
Don't
• Move it unless it's absolutely vital.
• Attempt to give it food or water.
• Move young birds. Their parents are probably
close by.
Whilst we try and rehabilitate as many of our birds
as possible, some birds are so badly injured, or unable
to care for themselves that release is impossible. We
are therefore committed to making their stay with us
as comfortable and as natural as possible, but this
of course takes a great deal of time and money.
Would you like to help our birds? You can help us continue
to care for our sick and injured raptors in several
ways.
• Sponsor a Bird
A small amount can make a big difference to the quality
of life of our raptors, and you'll receive a photo and
certifcate as a thank you for your help - an ideal gift.
All the money goes directly to your bird and will be
mainly used for food, treatment and making sure that
your bird enjoys the best possible quality of life.
• Business Sponsorship
There are many ways business can help our birds, benefit
from great photo opportunities and motivate staff into
the bargain. Contact the centre for an initial discussion.
• Education
We will be more than happy to bring along some of our
birds to your school and give a memorable, entertaining
and educational presentation. We do not charge for this
service, but any donations which would contribute towards
expenses would be most welcome.
• Donations
Financial assistance is vital if we are to continure
offering high standards of care and rehabilitation for
our raptors. Numbers - and costs - are increasing every
year and we can only exist through the goodwill and
assistance of our supporters. Please consider a donation,
now matter how small. All funds will be used to help
give these unfortunate birds the best possible chance
of recovery and return to their natural environment,
or the best possible quality of life in our centre.
• Help in Kind
The centre always needs food and shelter for its residents.
We also need materials, equipment and assistance with
travel to recover and release our birds, and to help
spread the message. If you can offer a product or service
which may be of use, please contact the centre.
website : Corio
Raptor
email : via their website
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