Chapter 1: Understanding Death in Wildlife

This narrative unfolds within the confines of the Pomorski Ośrodek Rehabilitacji Dzikich Zwierząt „Ostoja," a wildlife rehabilitation center. If you wish to support Ostoja, donations can be made through their website or via PayPal by including "Ostoja" in the transfer comment. The websites are in Polish, but Google Translate can assist with navigation.

Today's discussion may evoke sadness for many. I have friends who find the notion of survival intertwined with death unsettling, particularly in a reality where creatures consume one another as part of the recovery process, and death is as prevalent as life itself.

I contemplated this topic yesterday while documenting the release of animals from Ostoja. Each creature that enters the facility is assigned a number, along with contact details of its rescuer, the circumstances of its arrival, and its medical history. The Master Table includes species names, locations of discovery, and contact information, but the final three columns—Death, Freedom, and Euthanasia—are particularly revealing.

For instance, a young great tit was brought in, unwell and refusing to eat, ultimately passing away within an hour of this photograph being taken.

If an animal succumbs during treatment, the date of its death is recorded in the Death column. A review of the records reveals numerous entries under Death. Recently, a nest of five young tits was brought in after their parent was killed. The chicks struggled with the artificial feeding methods employed by unfamiliar caretakers in blue gloves and did not adapt to the ideal conditions of the incubator, leading to their demise within a week.

The transport box for one wood pigeon that was admitted to Ostoja due to its injuries illustrates a common outcome; it did not survive long after arrival. Indeed, many of the recorded deaths coincide with the day the animals were brought in. Reporting an injured animal to the rehabilitation center, even when death seems imminent, provides valuable insights into potential causes of injury—whether due to illness, human actions, pesticides, etc.

All deceased animals are sent for examination. This practice is particularly crucial for waterfowl at Ostoja, as local research institutions study these birds. As grim as it may sound, a designated freezer houses meticulously packaged and labeled birds awaiting transport.

The video titled "Killed by Animals: 15 Horrifying Ends" explores the harsh realities faced by wildlife, showcasing various instances of natural predation and the struggles of animals in their natural habitats.

The next column in the records is labeled Freedom, which brings a sense of joy. It's always uplifting when someone calls to inquire about a bird they previously left at the center. Before a bird is released, an ornithologist measures it, places an identification band on its leg, and Ostoja records its number. We then attempt to coax the bird into flight. Sometimes this effort is successful, while other times, the bird may need to return for further care. Occasionally, a young stork fails to be accepted by its adoptive parents and must return to the center, or it might fall prey to a predator almost immediately after release.

Feeding swifts presents its own challenges. These birds often resist being force-fed, as their natural instinct is to catch insects mid-flight. Therefore, caregivers must ensure they are fed adequately, which can be a messy endeavor.

The final column, Euthanasia, is linked to Death and is utilized when an animal’s injuries are so severe that recovery is impossible. For instance, a bird with multiple broken bones may have no chance of healing. In extreme cases, a swift without wings would face a life of futile attempts to fly, destined for starvation and isolation.

Additionally, there is the unrecorded death, a reality that weighs heavily in the freezer. The majority of the animals treated here are predators, and their diets include more than mere cat food. Frozen fish, chickens, and mice are stored, all requiring preparation to cater to specific dietary needs depending on the species.

Each day brings new instances of death, yet it also brings moments of hope, such as a small bird gaining strength when it once seemed doomed. While new corpses arrive at the facility, others are successfully returned to their natural environment. The cycle of life continues.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Wildlife Rehabilitation

The video "Deadliest Animal Comparison: Probability and Rate of Death" sheds light on the various dangers posed by different animal species, emphasizing the risks associated with wildlife interactions.

In conclusion, wildlife rehabilitation is a field filled with profound challenges, balancing the fragility of life against the stark realities of death. The work at centers like Ostoja is vital for both the animals and the greater understanding of our natural world.