Bird Rescure Oxford
Rehabilitation facility for birds of prey
Oxford Bird Rescue Charitable Trust is the primary rehabilitation facility in the North Canterbury region for birds of prey but also takes in these specialty care birds from all areas of the South Island since 2012. The main species cared for are Little owls and Swamp harriers (harrier hawk) but ruru and New Zealand falcon are also raptors, that come in less frequently. Most birds are cared for at the shelter while others are passed on to the appropriate organisation depending on species, injury and circumstance.
As well as taking in birds directly from the public OBR works closely with other bird rescues, vet clinics, both South Island based wildlife hospitals in Christchurch and Dunedin as well as the Department of Conservation South Island wide.
Vetlife Oxford plays a huge role in the day to day operations of the bird rescue undertaking much of the vet work required. Vetlife New Zealand kindly operates a wildlife fund that covers much of the cost of this work, which is a huge blessing.
OBR looks to engage the local community in the work they do and encourage people to get involved in the rescue, rehabilitation and release stages wherever possible. As well as directly working with birds OBR also runs an education program visiting schools and community groups when possible. With Co-founders Tracey and Scott both working fulltime jobs around the bird rescue time is always something in short supply, so the education program, only operates at certain times of the year. Tracey and Scott can also be heard on Compass FM throughout the year talking about our local raptors and ways that people can help them.
OBR became a charitable trust in 2021 after Christchurch law firm Parry Field Lawyers kindly offered to set up the trust pro bono. This has open the door for OBR to access funding not available beforehand that will hopefully enable improved facilities in the near future. OBR is also lucky to have a number of regular donors that help keep the doors open offsetting the day to day costs of running the rescue.
Written by Scotty
Anyone wanting to donate the details can be found on the OBR website and a tax deductable receipt can be supplied.
