Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Stacey Schaeffer

We have many volunteers at World Bird Sanctuary.  Many specialize in one area. For example the office, at the Visitor’s Center, the Library, or our “Tuesday Crew” maintenance group that work on Tuesdays.

One such specialized volunteer gets called in the middle of the night, early in the morning, and while she is on the beach on vacation.  This volunteer is our veterinarian, Dr. Stacey Schaeffer, from the St. Louis Hills Veterinary Clinic.  Dr. Stacey does rounds every week, treating sick and injured birds at our wildlife hospital, as well as seeing to any of our permanent residents that need attention.  In addition, with her husband Dr. Erik Siebel-Spath, and her father, Dr. Robert Schaeffer, they all will treat birds at their clinic for surgeries, acupuncture and other treatments.

Dr. Stacey Schaeffer, DVM and Joe Hoffmann, Sanctuary Manager,examine a Red-tailed Hawk with a toe injury.

At World Bird Sanctuary we consider ourselves very lucky to not only have a dedicated veterinarian working with us, but all the clinic staff, that bring a holistic approach to wildlife rehabilitation and the treatment of our birds.  Dr. Stacey prescribes western medicines and treatments, as well as herbal remedies, acupuncture and more, drawing on generations of experience and knowledge from her family-run practice.

Joe Hoffman, Dr. Shannon Broyles, DVM and Dr. Stacey Schaeffer, DVM

examine an injured Turkey Vulture during morning 'rounds'

 For example, Dr. Stacey has introduced herbs to birds at the wildlife hospital that can slow down, and in some cases stop internal bleeding, with minimal interference to the patient.  When 98% of all hospital cases are collision victims, and many of those have internal bleeding, this is an amazing addition to our arsenal of bird medications.  Under Dr. Stacey’s direction, we also use a balm made of Chinese herbs to help wounds heal more quickly.

Roger Holloway (WBS) and Dr. Schaeffer examine an emergency case - a Red-tailed Hawk shot with a bow arrow.  Dr. Schaeffer's quick response and expertise saved this hawk, which was eventually successfully returned to the wild. 

The most helpful thing that Dr. Stacey brings to save these beautiful birds is her compassion.  She always cares, 24/7.  She comes by it naturally – it runs in the family.  Dr. Stacey’s mother and father recently rescued a pelican while on vacation in Florida in February!  I just hope I don’t have to bother her when she’s on the beach on her vacation again this year.

Submitted by Joe Hoffmann, Sanctuary Manager

Nigel, the White Pelican

Nigel, the White Pelican, was found on December 3 2013, in a field near Macon, MO. He then was brought to the MU Vet school raptor rehab, and transferred to the World Bird Sanctuary's wildlife hospital. 

Nigel in his evening quarters, in the Wildlife Hospital.

 Nigel had suffered a right wing injury, his left leg had an old fracture and he was very thin. It was touch and go for many weeks until he was able to gain some weight, but now he is on his way to recovery. Unfortunately he will not be able to recover 100% because the old leg break won’t let that leg fully function, so he will be placed at another facility to live out his days. 

Nigel in his physical therapy water tub

White Pelicans are found on inland bodies of water in North America. They are an aquatic species, preferring to be on the open water for most of the day, feeding on primarily fish. They are not a small bird by any standards, having the second largest average wingspan of any North American Bird and having one of the largest bills of any bird on Earth! They migrate for winter, following major rivers, from as far north as central Canada, to the Saint Louis area and all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.  
 

Scoop, an unreleaseable White Pelican that calls World Bird Sanctuary home

Most days Nigel can be found in the main room of the hospital standing around preening and eating fish. Nigel also receives acupuncture once a week at St. Louis Hills Veterinary Clinic, which is also helping to increase the range of motion in his leg.  He also receives physical therapy.  Nigel is put in a small pool so he can stretch and work on moving and using his left leg. He also enjoys snapping at and carrying on with the swan that is in rehab.  They aren't too sure of what to think of one another, but they do seem to enjoy having each other’s company.  

Submitted by Adam Triska, Supervisor

"Return to the Wild" program celebrates wildlife hospital successes!

Sick and injured birds of prey that enter our wildlife hospital at World Bird Sanctuary will often need an area to be released back to the wild, so we have designed a program to make this a unique experience for the general public to enjoy.  The “Return to the Wild” program gives World Bird Sanctuary supporters the opportunity to take part in the release of a bird of prey back to the wild!

L-R: Dr. Stacey Schaeffer and Dr. Shannon Broyles, with 

Roger Holloway and Joe Hoffmann of World Bird Sanctuary, examine and treat a Bald Eagle with an injured wing.Photo: Sherry Seavers 

 The Kathryn G. Favre Wildlife Hospital at World Bird Sanctuary specializes in the rehabilitation of birds of prey, and also the reintroduction of these birds back to the wild, after their treatment is complete.  The actual return to the wild is where the public can be of great help to our organization and provide a memorable experience for those who witness and take part in the release. 

On the day of the release, a World Bird Sanctuary staff member will bring the bird to the release location, from where donors have the option to release the bird out of their own hands, or by simply opening the travel crate to let the bird fly away in its own time.

A Red-shouldered Hawk is returned to the wild after being successfullytreated in the wildlife hospital.  Photos: World Bird Sanctuary.

This is a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion – birthday, anniversary, wedding, tribute, graduation or memorial, or even just enjoying giving the special bird its second chance at life!

To find out more about our “Return to the Wild” program, you can contact our wildlife hospital staff at 636-861-1392, or click here for more information.

World Bird Sanctuary would like to the thank the skilled veterinarians of St. Louis Hills Veterinary Clinic for volunteering their time and resources to treat the sick and injured birds admitted to our wildlife hospital.