Veterinary Fund Established for Injured Wild Animals

COLLEGE STATION, April 18, 2006 - A fund for injured wild animals has been established at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences through the Zoological Medicine Service.

The college has a long history of providing aid to injured wildlife such as birds, reptiles and mammals. However, due to the increasing costs of treating these animals, it is becoming more difficult to care for them without public support, officials note.

"The cost of treating these injured animals increases every year," said Dr. Sharman Hoppes, a zoological veterinary specialist at the college, with roughly 300 to 500 animals needing care each year.

"The Zoological Medicine Service works hard to deliver care to wild animals in need of treatment, but the cost involved is making it more difficult for the college to provide this service," Hoppes explained.

When injured animals are brought to the Zoological Medicine Service they are evaluated to see if they can be helped. In order to effectively care for the animals, the experts at the college determine the extent of the injuries, the likelihood of recovery and return to the wild, and the ability of the animal to be placed in an educational facility if they cannot be returned to the wild. Animals that can be returned to their habitat are medically treated and then are rehabilitated by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before their release.

In order for injured wildlife to continue to be cared for by the college's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, personal donations are needed. "If the enjoyment of wild animals is a part of your life, we encourage you to help support our veterinary medical program by making a donation to the Fund for Injured Wild Animals program," Hoppes said.

To make a contribution to the Fund for Injured Wild Animals, checks can be made payable to Texas A&M University with the memo line of the check indicating Wildlife Fund 511095. Contributions can be mailed to: Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Attn: Financial Manager, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4457 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4457.

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc - (979) 862-2675
Cell - (979) 739-5718