The Munich animal shelter is currently caring for around 800 animals, about 400 of them wild animals. In June alone, 50 hedgehogs and martens, 335 wild and water birds, and 40 pigeons were taken in, a spokesperson said. Some of these animals have since been released back into the wild.
The tense situation is further exacerbated by stricter quarantine requirements for bird flu-endangered species. The care of wild animals is financed exclusively through donations. The shelter appeals to the public not to collect wild animals prematurely – especially young birds, so-called branchlings, are often mistakenly taken in even though they are still being cared for by their parents.
For injured wild animals, the shelter recommends checking with veterinary practices in advance to see if they treat wild animals. Alternatively, finders can contact Munich Animal Rescue, Wildtierhilfe Bayern, the LBV, or specialized facilities. For squirrels, there are private foster homes. For finds from the districts of Erding, Ebersberg, or Fürstenfeldbruck, local animal welfare associations should be contacted.
The admission stop could be lifted in one to two weeks if the health condition of the cared-for animals improves and further releases are possible.
Source: www.sueddeutsche.de
