Humane Society rescues more wildlife

Warwick - On Dec. 30 The Warwick Advertiser published an article about an extraordinary rescue of an injured swan who had become frozen to the thin ice on Greenwood Lake. Suzyn Barron, president of the Warwick Valley Humane Society, was part of the rescue team and, unfortunately, she subsequently reported that the swan did not survive. However, there is some good news. “The swan story,” said Barron, “brought us donations for our wildlife fund which we are already putting to good use. We find people are reporting injured and abandoned wildlife almost as often as stray cats and dogs. It’s wonderful that people care as much as they do and are willing to help us help all animals in need.” The Warwick Valley Humane Society, through its Wildlife Fund, rescues a variety of local birds and animals. All are given a fighting chance and most survive. On the heels of the swan rescue, for example, the society received a call from the Warwick Police Department on behalf of the Village of Florida Police who had reported an injured hawk on Route 94. The officer at the scene had placed his vehicle in front of the raptor to protect it while awaiting the arrival of the Society’s Animal Control Officer. And he later stopped all traffic while the hawk was safely captured. “Unfortunately,” said Barron, “the hawk has two broken wings and an injured left eye, plus a very bad concussion. He is still alive at the veterinary hospital, but his future is not very bright unless we can find someone licensed to rehabilitate raptors.” On Thursday, Jan. 12, the society received another call reporting an injured vulture in a cow pasture on Route 94. Animal Control Officer Laura Trezza responded, scaled a tall chicken wire fence and under the watchful eyes of five young cows and a bull, safely netted the vulture. She then placed it in a carrier and rushed the bird to the vet. The huge bird was a black-headed vulture, which is listed as a threatened species, one step from being endangered. “He has an old injury,” said Barron, “and may never fly again. The vet is now seeking possible placement in a raptor sanctuary.” When the swan story was first published, Barron reported that the Warwick Valley Humane Society had received its first check for $36 payable to the organization’s Wildlife Fund. The reason for the specific amount of that donation is probably because the story mentioned that there is a “Swan Lake” in Shandong Province, China, where swans represent good luck and happiness. Anyone saving an injured swan on that lake is rewarded with 300 yuan, about $36. According to Barron, the Humane Society’s Wildlife Fund is still low but any donation would be appreciated. Call 986-2473.