With temperatures forecast to go up to 40°C by the end of the week, our four-legged friends are struggling – in animal shelters and at the wildlife station.
It is currently high season for wildlife, explains adminstrative director Georg Xander: "In concrete terms, the wildlife station accommodates 800–900 animals from April to the end of August. The majority, around 75%, are birds. Mammals make up 23%, and reptiles account for the rest."
All animals are suffering from the heat, but birds in particular are struggling. During a one-hour visit to the station alone, three small birds were brought in.
For baby birds in particular, a heatwave can be dangerous, says Xander. "When birds nest under a roof, it can occur that they leave their nests during extreme heat. This creates more need for action. Above all, young birds struggle if they cannot fly properly, and have to stay in the nest when it's hot. Their immediate reaction is to leave the nest, so this results in many of them being found in the woods or along roads."
Xander says human interaction is not always necessary. "Please always look closely at the animal. What condition is it in? If a bird has lots of feathers, it could be it is waiting on the ground for its parents. This is frequently the case for young birds, they are fed on the ground once they have left the nest for the first time."
The wildlife station staff recommend that people look for a possible nest in the immediate surroundings, rather than taking the animal away.
If the creature is hurt, then members of the public are of course allowed to collect them and take them to the wildlife drop-off for treatment. This is why the wildlife station exists, so that animals are not left alone.
Another way of helping wildlife is to put out fresh water and to change it regularly.
There are currently 20 cats and 8 dogs in the animal shelter above the station, who are being cared for in the high temperatures. Raphael Erpelding explains: "It's not just the animals that need adaptation, but staff do as well. We are letting staff start an hour earlier. It's good for everyone as it means we can air out the building early in the morning. We have basins of water here, ice has been prepared, and we must be careful with consequently airing the place and closing windows afterwards."
Heat is a stressor for wildlife and pets alike. The same rules apply to humans and animals: exercise in the morning or evening, drink plenty, and put out lots of water for your four-legged or winged friends.
