Whistling-duck recuperated and released

(CNS): Woody the West Indian whistling-duck has been successfully rehabilitated and released to his home on Cayman Brac after being hit by a car last month, thanks to Cayman Wildlife Rescue, a program of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, and Marine Enforcement Officer Robert Walton. While Woody was lucky, CWR says that one of the major threats to West Indian Whistling Ducks in the Cayman Islands is traffic and that people who feed wildlife near roads are attracting animals into unsafe areas. Walton found Woody on 24 August suffering from a head injury and needing immediate attention. The bird was flown to Grand Cayman by Cayman Airways Express for several weeks of care.

The duck was nursed by long time CWR volunteer and “whistler specialist” Carolyn Perkins, and progress was slow to begin with, but soon Woody regained his motor skills, walking first and eventually flying.

“I thank all the parties involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of this duck. It indeed took many hours of volunteer care and the continued support of Cayman Airways has been an essential for our program to offer care for wildlife in the Sister Islands,” CWR Program Manager Alison Corbett said.

On 15 September Woody was finally ready to make his voyage home. The caring Cayman Airways Express staff facilitated a smooth process and Robert Walton received the duck in the Brac. Woody rejoined his flock, taking immediately to the water and seemed very relaxed and at home, CWR reported.

One of the major threats to West Indian Whistling Ducks in the Cayman Islands is traffic. Corbett said, “Hit by car remains one of the top reasons for wildlife injuries. This is further compounded by the issue of people feeding wildlife near roads. We strongly caution the public on feeding wildlife, especially near roads as it attracts them into unsafe areas and alters their normal feeding and behaviour patterns.”

If members of the public would like to support Cayman Wildlife Rescue, they can make a donation to Cayman Wildlife Rescue and mail to: PO Box 31116 KY1-1205 or purchase symbolic wildlife adoption kits available at the National Trust gift shop. For more information visit: www.caymanwildliferescue.org.

917-BIRD (2474) the Wildlife Rescue Hotline, sponsored by LIME, is available for the public to call for injured, sick or orphaned native & migratory wildlife.