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The Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in Maisons-Alfort, a suburb of Paris, serves as a vital sanctuary for wild animals in distress, embodying a deep commitment to conservation and the preservation of biodiversity. Operated by the nonprofit group Faune Alfort, this facility is the only one of its kind in the greater Paris area capable of treating a wide spectrum of wild species, demonstrating a crucial role in local wildlife rescue efforts.

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We’ll make sure she’s eating well. If that’s not the case, we might provide supplemental bottles to ensure she gains enough weight.

The hospital's mission is clear: to heal and rehabilitate injured, sick, and orphaned animals, often victims of human encroachment and urbanization, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their natural environments. This dedication is exemplified by the round-the-clock care provided to a recent fox cub found abandoned, ensuring its recovery and eventual reintegration.

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That’s common in a young one that has had a disruption in its diet.

What sets this facility apart is its rigorous approach to animal care. While the caretakers naturally develop affection for the animals, they strictly avoid any form of imprinting. This means no cuddling or excessive interaction, maintaining a professional distance to ensure the animals retain their natural wildness. This careful balance is essential for the success of their rehabilitation and reintroduction programs.

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So we don’t cuddle them, we don’t talk to them. There’s really a distance to maintain for their own good in the end, so they can be released later.

The hospital's work is particularly significant given the increasing threats faced by wildlife due to human activities. By treating over 10,400 animals annually, with a majority being birds, Faune Alfort plays a critical role in mitigating the impact of these threats. The facility's efforts, from treating a swan with a broken wing to caring for ducklings found without parents, highlight the diverse challenges faced by urban wildlife and the essential support provided by such dedicated organizations.

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We can’t just release her into the wild like that. She really needs to go into an enclosure first, and then gradually we’ll open the door so she can come and go while still being fed. Then we’ll gradually reduce the food, and that’s how we achieve a truly gradual release.