Hawai’i is a tropical paradise here on Earth. This state is indeed a wonderful place to be at. There are plenty of amazing beaches everywhere, as well as wildlife to be enjoyed. If you want to dive into the teeming wildlife of Hawai’i, you may want to know more about the Hawai’i Wildlife Center. What is this and what are the things that you should expect in here? Read more to know!
What is the Hawai’i Wildlife Center?
Also known as HWC, the Hawai’i Wildlife Center is a nonprofit, state- and region-wide wildlife conservation and wildlife organization that provides rehabilitative and medical care to all the bird and bat species in the state. This organization also provides conservation programs that target to build a community where wildlife thrives.
The organization serves all Hawai’ian Islands, both major and minor, extending as far as Kure Atoll and Midway. Their main facility is located at Kapa’au, on Hawai’i Island and they have satellite operations in Lāna‘I and O‘ahu.
The HWC is the first organization to show interest in providing utmost care and rehabilitation services for native animals, public education, and outreach programs.
Hawai’i Wildlife Center’s vision
The vision of HWC is a community where native species recover from their sufferings and thrive through comprehensive conservation partnerships and strategies.
Hawai’i Wildlife Center’s mission
The organization’s mission is to protect, conserve, and aid in the recovery of that native wildlife of Hawai’i through research, training, hands-on treatment, cultural programs, and science education.
Hawai’i Wildlife Center’s core values
Just like most organizations, HWC has core values to follow to strengthen their identity and integrity.
- Professionalism
- Commitment
- Compassion
- Resourcefulness
Bird and bat rescue
Did you know that when you find a bird or bat, you can transfer it to Hawai’i Wildlife Center so that it can get the utmost care it needs? After all, it is against the law to keep any wildlife under your custody without necessary rehabilitation permits. In case you found an injured bird or bat, and the organization is not taking any of your calls and inquiries, you may want to follow the following steps they laid out:
- First, you have to find a container (pet carrier/plastic tub/cardboard box) wherein the bird can comfortably sit and stand in. After which, place a clean, soft clothing with no strings inside the container. Make sure to also provide air holes in the lid.
- After giving the rescued bird care, it’s time to look after yourself. When you find a bird with a long beak and neck, make sure to handle it with utmost care as it may attempt to viciously strike you. Wear protective glasses and make sure to cover the bird with a lightweight towel or small sheet that fits just right to its size.
- If you found an injured raptor with a sharp beak and talons, take great caution and call HWC immediately because it would require professional help.
- Once the bird is inside the container, do not give or leave any food or water inside it. Secure the lid of its container properly.
- The bird would appreciate it if you place it somewhere away from the hustle and bustle. Therefore, place the container in a dark, quiet place.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the bird.
- Again, attempt to dial HWC’s number again at (808) 884-5000.
What the organization promises
The Hawai’i Wildlife Center offers professional, quality care to injured birds and bats. Each injured bird is promised to receive care based on its medical needs and will be provided treatment programs if needed. A care and treatment program usually involves up to ten hours daily for feeding, care development, medical care, exercise, and behavior observation and enhancement.
The professionals in Hawai’i Wildlife Center also provide full examinations to correctly identify their patients’ medical and nutritional needs, as well as the needed follow-up treatments or rehabilitative services.
HWC’s recovery yard provides a safe haven to birds who are coping up. The half-acre yard features the following:
Specialized aviaries – The aviaries allow bird species to strengthen their muscle capacity before their release date.
Conditioning pools – Essential to seabirds, these pools allow staff to observe the birds’ waterproofing.
Predator-proof fencing – The recovery yard is enclosed in a fence to keep the birds out of reach of cats, dogs, pigs, and mongoose.