Kildare Wildlife Rescue

We are excited to announce Susan Kerwin from Bat Rehabilitation Ireland as a speaker on Day 2 of our Biodiversity Conference with her talk "The Invisible Shield: The Bat Patagium Microbiome and the Critical Role of Hydration and Humidity"

Susan will be speaking about how the skin of a bat is far more than a physical barrier, it is home to a complex and dynamic microbiome that serves as an invisible shield against infection. During rehabilitation, however, this delicate ecosystem can be disrupted by factors that are often overlooked, particularly dehydration and inadequate humidity.

In this presentation, Susan will explore the relationship between hydration, humidity and the bat patagium microbiome, examining how disruption of this balance can increase susceptibility to infection and delay healing. Drawing on both current scientific understanding and practical rehabilitation experience, she will discuss husbandry techniques that help preserve the skin’s natural defences, improve recovery, and ultimately enhance the welfare and survival of bats undergoing rehabilitation.

Join us on day 2 for this enlightening talk!

Tickets through Eventbrite.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/kildare-biodiversity-conference-2026-tickets-1996629454446

Link in Bio.

Today was a special day. We want to thank everyone who came out and joined us on the official launch of our Oiled Wildlife Facilities!

In 2024, we responded to an oil spill on the East Coast. The oil spill happened right at the beginning of orphan season. We thank everyone who helped and supported us during that time. Especially our friend Janice Byrne Goldsmiths, who had just held an incredibly successful fundraiser on our behalf. Luck was on our side.

We have made it part of our mission since then to have our own emergency oil spill response plan in place and to build our facilities.

A huge thank you to Senator Malcolm Noonan and Edel Donnolly from Kildare County Council for cutting the ribbon to officially open the facilities.

Special thanks to the KCC Climate Office for their support with the Community Climate Action Fund that granted us the funds to purchase the specialised pools for the what is the final stage of an oiled seabirds rehabilitation.

As excited as we are about these new pools and how they will improve the welfare for seabirds in care, we hope we will never have to use them in an oil spill response. If the day ever comes though, we will be ready!

It's migration season, and while you may have noticed the skies above becoming much quieter with the departure of the swallows, you are probably less aware of the absence, or even existence, of the Manx Shearwater.

Ireland is home to thousands of nesting Manx Shearwaters in the summer months, but as autumn arrives, these sea dwelling birds head on an incredible 11,000km flight to the coast of Argentina where they spend the winter months.

Unfortunately, juvenile birds sometimes lose their way. Light pollution along the coats draw the birds in land where they become stranded, which is exactly what happened for this young bird (26-5345). Found in Wexford, this bird was brought to the centre for care. Once stabilised, they were washed to make sure their feather condition was perfect, before being moved onto one of our new specialised pools. They will soon be making their return to the wild.

Join us for Dinner and Conversation on Day One of our Biodiversity Conference with Wildacres!

We're thrilled to announce a wonderful evening of connection and conversation for all conference attendees. This year, we have the honour of being joined by the amazing & inspiring duo Gilly & Brian from Wildacres who will be sharing insights on their work and journey with lots of engaging discussions throughout the evening.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to meet and mingle with like-minded individuals. Let’s make memorable connections over delicious food.

Grab your conference ticket today and make sure to join us for two great days.

Tickets through Eventbrite.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/kildare-biodiversity-conference-2026-tickets-1996629454446

Link in Bio.

Considered the fastest animal in the world, with top speeds estimated at 300km/h, catching a Peregrine Falcon shouldn't be possible, but its not impossible.

This Peregrine Falcon (26-4814) was brought into care after she was found unable to fly in Thurles, Tipperary. The falcon was brought to Brittas Veterinary where Fiona treated the falcon for a fractured ulna before transfering her to the centre for continued rehabilitation and time in a dedicated aviary to rebuild her flight strength. We are delighted to say that on Monday she was given a clean bill of health and returned to the wild.

Did you know, less than 50 years ago, Peregrine numbers were in a free fall, with an estimated 90% of the population disappearing globally? The use of an agricultural pesticide known as DDT was found to be the cause. Through a process of bioaccumulation, the pesticide used to kill insects worked its way up the food chain. DDT disrupted calcium production in birds leading to eggs with paper thin shells that were crushed under the weight of the parent birds during incubation. Once the longstanding effects of DDT were recognised, general use in agriculture was banned, protections were put in place and captive breeding programs were started. Peregrine Falcon populations have now recovered so well they are no longer threatened with extinction and are green listed in Ireland. Their successful return is a great example of what can be accomplished when conservationists, scientists and government bodies work together to protect wildlife.

Our 2027 Wildlife Calendar presale is now open and here our the 12 finalists, now it is time to vote for your favourite!

Simply like the image you want to vote for. The image with the most likes will win a day in the Irish Photography Hide of their choice.

Pre-order your calendars here https://kildare-wildlife-rescue.sumupstore.com/product/2027-kwr-fundraising-calendar

Our finalists, in alphabetical order by photographer:

Wren, Dublin by Aaron O’Hara

Fox, Meath by Alan Hollowed

Moorhens, Laois by Brian Kendrick

Great Crested Grebe, Westmeath by Christine Taylor

Red Squirrel, Cork by Evan Kearns

Rock Pipit, Clare by Holly Grogan

Dipper, Dublin by Jon Morant

Puffins, Wexford by June Ailish Treviss

Skylark, Sligo by Luca Cattaneo

Short-eared Owl, Cork by Michael Jones

Pine Marten, Laois by Marie Bishop

Badger, Tipperary by Shane Oakley

Make sure to like your favourite image to cast your vote!

Announcement!

Wildlife Clinical Skills Day - November and December

Grab 16 CVE points and elevate your wildlife clinical skills in a hands-on, fast-paced day designed for Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses and Animal Care Assistants. Limited spaces - don't miss out!

What you will learn:
• Triage, handling & clinical examination - confidently assess, safely handle and examine many wildlife species
• Emergency & clinical care - fluid therapy, IV placement, iniection sites and first-aid medication • Case-based discussions - real-life cases, practical problem-solving and treatment plans
• Diagnostics - sedation techniques, bird intubation and blood sampling methods
• Euthanasia - humane decision-making and best practices for end-of-life care

Secure your spot now - for full details and registration email [email protected]