The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Nature and Environment has called on the public to think again when it comes to removing wild animals from their environment, especially young birds and wildlife who may appear to be “orphaned”.
Every year in Luxembourg, more than 2,000 animals are brought to the wildlife care centre in Dudelange, of which 60% are brought in under the assumption that they are orphans.
However, many of these animals likely did not need help at all as the parents or mother may simply have been temporarily absent in the search for food.
Animals are always better off in their own environments, and removal can bring tremendous stress which can have fatal consequences.
Anyone finding a young animal that appears to be alone should reconsider “rescuing” it according to a few guidelines.
In the case of supposedly orphaned young birds, the Centre recommends leaving them alone. Often the parents are nearby but have heeded warning calls, or are looking for food. Instead, observing from a distance will give the parents the time and space they need to return to their young.
If the bird may be in a dangerous situation, at risk from cats or cars etc., it is possible to put them higher in a tree or in a hedge. It is not true that adult birds will ‘forsake’ their young once they have been touched by a human.
If possible, domestic cats should be kept indoors until the bird is safe.
If a supposedly orphaned young mammal is found, they should be left alone if they are not directly at risk, unless they are obviously injured. Checking if they are still there three to four hours after finding them, often one will find that the mother has returned and the pair have moved on.
To remove the young animal from a source of danger, one should only touch it with a piece of clothing or cloth that has been rubbed on grass, and put it in a place of safety. This is to prevent the mother from picking up a human scent when she returns.
The Ministry says never try to feed a young animal or raise it yourself. Young wild animals are not appropriate to raise and require a lot of experience, expertise and time. In addition, keeping wild animals in private households in Luxembourg is prohibited, since it is regarded as animal cruelty.
The centre takes care of every wild animal in need, but only those who really need help. If you are unsure, you should always pay attention to the above-mentioned observation / waiting times and take a look at the telephone consultation of the nursing centre before bringing an animal in. Telephone: 26 51 39 90, between 08:00 and 12:00 and 14:00 to 20:30. See also the website: www.centredesoins.lu.
