Injured and sick wildlife including a bat, an otter and three swans are the first animals treated at Ireland's first wildlife hospital.
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland facility opens tomorrow in the grounds of Tara Na Rí pub in Co. Meath.
In the stables of the Navan pub, an intensive care unit for animals and birds has been set up.
Patients will be arriving soon and we need your help with the following:
* Tins of dog and cat food in jelly
* Dried cat food
* Wildbird seed
* Pigeon Food
If you can help us please pm the page or email [email protected] pic.twitter.com/qHyZ4joNzM— Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland (@WildlifeRI) February 8, 2021
Animal Manager Dan Donoher said they've treated a few patients already, including a bat and pigeon last night.
The temporary hospital comes after years of campaigning from the WRI for a national wildlife hospital.
The charity says the creation the facility is in response to an overwhelming increase in wildlife casualty numbers during the pandemic.
Community Come Together To Create Animal ICU
Meanwhile, WRI Education Officer Aoife McPartlin said the whole community came together.
"It's not just a wildlife hospital, it's turned into a whole community project."
No matter the weather...the hospital needs to be built pic.twitter.com/NaQIRPhAhs
— Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland (@WildlifeRI) February 13, 2021
"So many people have been suffering with the lockdown and depression and work - and they're all showing up here".
Aoife said electricians, carpenters, painters and DIY-ers have all been involved.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland signed an initial 12-month lease for the hospital.
It will be completely volunteer-run.
