KENWOOD WILDLIFE CENTER
WELCOMES NEW REHABBER
by Anne-Marie Reid
November, 2009
The Kenwood Wildlife Center is pleased to introduce its new Wildlife Rehabilitator, Alfi Roberts. Roberts has already proven herself as is a tireless worker who has devoted several years to rescuing and rehabilitating large numbers of baby herons and egrets for the IBRRC., the International Bird Rescue and Rehabilitation Council located in Fairfield.
Rehabilitation begins when an animal is found and reported to a wildlife rehabilitator. The rehabilitator examines the animal to determine the extent of the injury and the probability of successful rehabilitation. If it appears the animal can make a recovery sufficient to return to the wild, it is examined, medicated and operated on (if necessary) by Dr. Howard Rosner D.V.M., also the Vice President of the Center’s Board of Directors. Afterwards it is returned to the Center, fed, nurtured, reconditioned, observed and its condition is documented daily. The birds are released back into the same area from which it was found whenever possible.
Most of the birds brought to the Center and treated by other selfless rehabilitation experts such as Dona Asti and Linda Knight in the past twenty plus years had met with some misadventure due to direct or indirect human activity. Roberts believes the single most important factors in protecting wildlife is public education and reinstating habitat.
While her job is to treat sick, injured, or orphaned birds, and soon small mammals, she sees it as only half the battle. Together with the Educational Staff of the Center, Roberts plans to help educate local residents about some of the many ways people can help local wildlife. “Just simple things that make such a difference, for example crushing or cutting up yogurt (or other large mouth) plastic containers, plastic six-pack rings, using cloth bags for groceries, keeping garbage secure and cats indoors (where they are safer too). Another easy way to help wildlife is to wait until nesting season is over before trimming trees which destroys nesting sites. A good time to trim is October. It's all about prevention,” she said.
Roberts, a dedicated bird rescue expert believes that live food is the most nutritious so she even fishes for fresh fish and crawfish to feed to her charges. “I live two blocks from a nesting site, where black-crowned night herons, cattle egrets, snowy egrets and great egrets come several months every year to nest,” said Roberts. “It was about six years ago when I first came across the site. I just stood there thinking 'wow' what a glorious place.” Hundreds of fallen baby birds have been rescued before they could have been run over or picked off by raptors.
Roberts was trained in oiled wildlife rescue and spent countless hours washing oil off of shorebirds after the last devastating oil spill in the Bay Area. She has worked in a veterinary office as a technician, where she was able to extend her knowledge of animal anatomy.
“The Center, as well as the Bay Area, is lucky to have found such a dedicated savior of the animals to be an addition to our other expert and wonderful volunteers,” said Star Dewar, Administrator of the Kenwood Wildlife Center.
The Kenwood Wildlife Center was founded in 1987. One of the center’s earliest accomplishments was applying pressure to Pacific Gas & Electric Company regarding their high voltage transmission lines and the numerous birds of prey electrocutions. In addition in the 1990’s, the center rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of waterfowl. They included herons and egrets right here in eastern Sonoma County which had become very sick; data was collected on each patient as to the cause of their illness. The presence of various poisons and toxins were discovered in most of the birds, and this situation no longer exists. Birds that were discovered in time were rehabilitated and released in the area of Viansa marshes.
Visit the website to view some of the recent patients, success stories, donate to the new hospital, and to keep abreast of valuable information regarding your role in protecting wildlife in our area.