28 Mar 2025

What to do if you find an injured or sick bird

From Nine To Noon, 9:30 am on 28 March 2025
Dr Rashi Parker is Fundraising Manager for BirdCare Aotearoa

Dr Rashi Parker is Fundraising Manager for BirdCare Aotearoa Photo: Supplied/BirdCare Aotearoa

Many of us will have been in the position of finding a sick, injured or orphaned wild bird, and perhaps our first instinct is to find a cosy cardboard box and prepare some water-soaked bread.

But that could be doing more harm than good. BirdCare Aotearoa is New Zealand's largest, Department of Conservation-permitted wild bird hospital.

Each year, 6000 bird heroes bring their rescues to the charity. It is now on a a mission to educate bird-lovers on what to do after finding a bird in trouble - and is holding a public workshop this weekend as part of EcoFest 2025. Birdcare Aotearoa spokesperson is Dr Rashi Parker.