Drought and heat strain Oostende wildlife rescue center

The Bird and Wildlife Rescue Center in Oostende, Belgium, is facing an unprecedented surge in admissions due to the ongoing drought and high temperatures. Normally, the center receives around 40 animals per day during the summer, but this figure has risen to an average of 60. The current wave of admissions is predominantly composed of pigeons and hedgehogs, animals struggling significantly in the harsh weather conditions.

Dierenverzorgster Laure Desmet explained that earlier in the summer, young seagulls and jackdaws were the primary patients. These young birds attempted to fly before their wings were fully developed, driven from their nests by the heat, often resulting in injuries like fractures upon landing. Now, the focus has shifted to pigeons, whose simple nests become unstable as the young grow. The drought makes it difficult for parent pigeons to find sufficient food and water, leading to weakened young birds falling from their nests.

Hedgehogs are also facing severe challenges. Desmet noted a rise in diseases among hedgehogs, compounded by the drought, which hinders their ability to raise their young. The center is admitting more young hedgehogs, as well as adult animals struggling to find food, particularly snails and insects. Many of these animals arrive in critical condition, requiring immediate and intensive care from the rescue team.

Desmet believes this high volume of admissions is not a mere coincidence but a symptom of broader environmental changes. Many species are finding it increasingly difficult to adapt to summers that are becoming drier each year, accompanied by fluctuating temperatures. Urbanization further exacerbates these issues, as reduced green spaces and increased construction lead species like seagulls and jackdaws to nest on building roofs, making them more susceptible to heat. Pigeons, nesting more frequently in gardens, are more likely to be found and brought to the rescue center when they encounter problems.