(haipo) – While Israel is dealing with a complex security reality, there are those who continue to work on the ground for those who cannot ask for help themselves: wildlife. The Hibulens Volunteers, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority's wildlife rescue volunteer network, continue to go out into the field, even under Home Front Command restrictions and guidelines, and provide first aid and rescue to hundreds of animals. Since the beginning of the war, approximately 330 cases have been treated across the country.
Dozens of cases every week: hedgehogs, storks, raptors and injured mammals
Most calls come from citizens who report to the Nature and Parks Authority hotline, which continues to operate even during the war and receives about 400 calls a day. From there, the calls are forwarded to the Hibulens volunteers scattered throughout the country.
Among the cases recently treated:
- Four hedgehog cubs found in Karmiel and placed in foster care with a volunteer in Machmenim
- An injured stork rescued in a complex operation in the Maccabim area
- Black ink that sank into the mud in a snake's lair
- A common hairy bird that crashed into a window in Ashdod
- A peregrine falcon accidentally entered an apartment in Jerusalem
- A land turtle was run over in Modiin Illit
- Swallow chicks whose nest collapsed in Tiberias
- A free-ranging flower caught by a cat in Givat Ada
- Narrow-billed gull found exhausted on the Netanya beach
- A migratory quail that landed exhausted in Mevaseret Zion
- A white-breasted kingfisher that fell into an oil tank in Haifa
- An injured rock rabbit was located by soldiers from Brigade 769 and taken to a veterinarian with the assistance of the director of the Nahal Snir Reserve.
"Compassion does not stop in times of emergency"
Lani Ilana Dekel Rosenberg, Director of Biodiversity at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, emphasizes that all volunteers have undergone specialized training at the wildlife hospital, which includes first aid and dealing with injured wildlife.
Since the beginning of the war, volunteers have treated approximately 330 cases, a number that reflects the growing need on the ground.
Migration season increases challenges
Israel is located on one of the world's most important migratory routes, and during this period, the spring migration, millions of birds pass over it: storks, pelicans, raptors and songbirds. The volatile weather, strong winds and climate change may divert the migratory routes and cause the birds to land in distress.
The Nature and Parks Authority emphasizes that public vigilance is especially essential during this period.
Have you encountered an injured wild animal? Here's what to do
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority asks the public:
Report to the RTG hotline at *3639
Get professional guidance on how to help
Do not attempt to handle a wild animal on your own, as this may harm it and even endanger humans.
Wow, a very impressive article. I just spoke with one of the rescuers from the Golan Heights area about an interview for the Eitam radio program that airs on Radio Golan and Radio Kol Rishonim. Please note that they work in collaboration with many conservationists and also with the Nature and Parks Authority. Happy, safe and peaceful holidays to everyone.