Gyeonggi Province rescued more than 3,000 wild animals last year.
The Gyeonggi Province Wildlife Rescue and Management Center announced on the 12th that it rescued 3,034 wild animals last year, of which 1,005 recovered their health and were released back into the wild.
Excluding 564 carcasses and DOA (dead on arrival at the center) cases that could not receive active treatment, the actual release rate was 41%.
Among the rescued animals, birds accounted for the largest number with 2,140 (70%), followed by mammals with 875 (29%), and reptiles with 19 (1%). Included were 377 individuals of 19 species designated as natural monuments, such as the Black-faced Spoonbill, Crane, and Flying Squirrel, as well as 130 individuals of 20 endangered species.
The primary cause of rescue was "young animals that lost their mothers," accounting for 1,134 cases (37%). Most were young birds found during the fledging stage, when they leave the nest and learn survival skills in the wild. If raised by humans at this stage, they tend to lose their wild instincts and have difficulty surviving even after being released back into nature.
Therefore, when finding a young bird that cannot fly, it is better to contact the Wildlife Rescue and Management Center first to determine whether rescue is necessary rather than immediately rescuing it.
Shin Byung-ho, Director of Animal Welfare Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, "Thanks to the active rescue reports from residents, wild animals in need were able to gain a new life," and added, "We will continue to do our best to ensure that wild animals can return to nature and maintain a healthy ecosystem through prompt and active rescue and professional treatment."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
