*News Flash**

The BBC are currently in Ahmedabad filming the goings on at the Jivdaya Charitable Trust’s Save the Birds centre. WVI’s patron Steve Leonard will be cohosting “Operation Wild” with animal lover Clare Balding. When it comes to the BBC1 and PBS in the States in 2014, look out for the WVI t-shirts and Johanna.

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WVI helps the Save The Birds Camp for a second year

WVI’s vet Johanna Storm was overwhelmed by her visit to the Jivdaya Charitable Trust (JCT) during the International Kite Festival in Ahmadabad, India in January 2013. Overwhelmed by the numbers of birds that are literally caught up in the kite strings from the festival, by their injuries, by the number brought in by the public, by the commitment of JCT employees and volunteers and what they achieved with their limited resources.

Indian vets are given very little formal training in avian medicine so the survival rate of birds of prey and waterbirds in particular injured during the festival was very low. The JCT therefore invited WVI to help improve survival rates specifically on these species, some of which are highly endangered.

Surgeons battle to repair a broken wing on a Critically Endangered white backed vulture.

India - Surgeons battle to repair a broken wing on a Critically Endangered white backed vulture Surgeons battle to repair a broken wing on a Critically Endangered white backed vulture.

The White-backed vulture for example, has such low numbers that it is important that every effort is made to ensure every individual makes a complete recovery and can contribute to the conservation of the species.

The survival figures for 2013 are major improvement on those from 2012. We reported that the majority of endangered birds, the larger birds of prey and waterfowl were lost in 2012 and in 2013 the mortality rate was only 3.4%. In addition, through provision of better post-operative care, birds were much healthier increasing the probability of survival post-release.

As well as providing on the job training in complex avian surgery, Johanna spent some time teaching staff how to force feed these wild birds more suitable diets. Birds were arriving emaciated and it is imperative that they get as much of the right food as possible.

WVI vet Johanna Storm demonstrates how to force feed a pelican in post operative recovery.

WVI vet Johanna Storm has help to force feed the pelican in post operative recovery. Copyright WVI WVI vet Johanna Storm demonstrates how to force feed a pelican in post operative recovery.

Raptors and pelicans were being fed soaked dog biscuits left in a bowl that the birds only found out of desperation. This was partly because the JCT are not used to dealing with birds in such a bad state and they have a religious belief that restricts meat being kept on the premises. Johanna managed to work round these obstacles to get pelicans force fed fish and birds of prey a minced carnivore food.

A lack of knowledge of the bird of prey and water bird species, together with some restrictions imposed by religious belief are causing some welfare issues. With some dialogue it is not impossible to reach a reasonable state of welfare given the resources available and be considerate to religious beliefs.

JCT have invited Johanna to continue on-the-job surgical training and improving post-operative care.

WVI’s long term aim are to support JCT on site during the festival for as long as is needed, and to give JCT’s head vet the opportunity to visit a dedicated raptor rehabilitation centre for some more experience.

The International Kite Festival and Uttarayan

The Indian city of Ahmadabad holds an International Kite Festival every January as part of celebrating Uttarayan (the end of winter and the arrival of spring).Unfortunately thousands of birds are killed or injured every year as a result of the International Kite Festival in Ahmadabad, alone. It is just one of many cities across Gujarat to stage mass participation kite festivals.

Many die of shock after their injury.Festival participants use glasspowder-coated (manja – see it above being prepared) or plastic kite string to try to cut opponents strings and bring down their kites.

Manja (glass fibre coated kite strings) being prepared in Ahmedabad, India

The same string is, however, responsible for killing and crippling birds every year.

Supporters

WVI is extremely grateful to all our corporate supporters who enabled WVI to supply good and specialist equipment making our presence more effective.

In January 2013 the following companies donated equipment:

Financial contributions came from The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Fund and from the many individuals who bought raffle tickets.

Sheep decorated Wrapz on this owl’s wing donated by Millpledge

In January 2014, the following companies again supported this project:

The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Fund supported us again through awarding us an even bigger grant!