Non-releasable habituated Cattle Egret

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Country: United States

Species: Cattle Egret (Bulbulcus ibis)

Is rehabilitation complete?: yes

This animal has potential as a : static display animal

This animal is: captive reared

Age: 4 months

Reason for entering rehabilitation.:

Animal was brought to our rehabilitation facility by a member of the public who rescued this bird (along with 16 other egrets), after falling from their community nests after a storm

Days in care: 50

Issues developed while undergoing rehabilitation.:

This individual was the youngest of the group and refused to self-feed initially. Caregivers hand fed the individual for several days until self-feeding was witnessed. Release was attempted but the individual was returned to the clinic after being found in a public area and rescued the next day. After an attempted second release in a more rural area, bird was found following a woman and her dog with no fear response to either. Therefore, has been deemed habituated and non-releasable.

Body condition score (5 point scale as defined on https://nagonline.net/3877/body-condition-scoring/): 3

Can the animal express species-typical behaviors (e.g. eat appropriate whole foods, climb, perch, groom, dig, fly, swim, ambulate normally for species)?:

Yes, eats frozen and live prey excitedly. Is fully mobile and uninjured.

Can the animal be handled without negative welfare affects?: yes

This is how the animal currently reacts when a frequent caregiver nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

Animal only displaces fear responses with capture. Will approach caregivers for food, interacts curiously with clothing and vocalizes excitedly.

This is how the animal currently reacts when a stranger nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

Animal has some fear response initially with close proximity, especieally with capture. However, quickly shows excitement through vocalization and interaction with stranger.

This animal is currently house : alone

Will the animal need continuous medical care (e.g. medication)?: no

Physical health welfare assessment: good life

Mental/emotional health welfare assessment: good life

More Information

If interested, please email me at Rehab@wildliferescuenm.org

It is preferred that this animal be housed with conspecifics to fulfill the social nature of the species. If other individuals are unavailable, daily enrichment will need to be done to ensure mental/emotional health.

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