Ibis found covered in parasites
By Joanna Fitzgerald | Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital
A white ibis was among the 57 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week. Other admissions include three gopher tortoises, six Brazilian free-tailed bats, a green heron and a great blue heron.
The white ibis was admitted after being found wandering in a subdivision. The ibis was in extremely poor condition — the bird was covered with feather mites and lice which were causing feather damage at the follicles and its top mandible was broken at the tip. The ibis was also very underweight and dehydrated.
The ibis was placed in quarantine to ensure the external feather parasites weren’t transferred to any of our other avian patients. Chinese herbs, vitamin supplements, pain medication, electrolytes and a topical mite spray were administered. The ibis was eager to eat the fish and worms the staff offered which allowed us to keep handling to a minimum.
After several days, the ibis’ condition has greatly improved. The bird has put on weight and continues to gain strength and recover.
Hospital staff is incredibly grateful to everyone who takes time to offer assistance to animals in need.
How You Can Help
We do not have a rescue/pick up service and rely heavily on the public and our volunteers. Please consider becoming a wildlife hospital volunteer if you appreciate native wildlife and feel like you could be of help. We wouldn’t be as successful as we are if it weren’t for the many members of the community who support our work by donating their time and talent.
Recent Releases — 14 Animals Returned Home
- 4 eastern cottontails
- 1 Florida softshell turtle
- 1 black scoter
- 1 Cooper’s hawk
- 1 marsh rabbit
- 4 red-shouldered hawks
- 1 common yellowthroat
- 1 blue jay
Opportunities to Help
Please visit the Conservancy website at www.conservancy.org to view all of the amazing volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Volunteers are needed more than ever during our incredibly busy summer season. Your volunteer time, memberships and donations are vital in helping us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.
Joanna Fitzgerald is director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Call 239–262–2273 or see conservancy.org.
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