Unfortunately we have to fight for our animals on many different levels. Here is what happend frequently:
The single biggest item in our budget of approx $ 50000 pa is food, so we have to be as frugal as we can, yet still maintain a sustainable diet for creatures on the mend. Rapid breeding rabbits are ideal for the purpose of feeding raptors to meet the requirements of the codes of practice where the eventual release of an animal is to be met.
It has become obvious that the laws in Queensland regarding the keeping and breeding of rabbits in captivity is out of step with the rest of Australia, in that if I was running my hospital over the border in NSW I would be perfectly legal. Whosever established Queensland’s Laws was influenced by some factor which other states regarded as unimportant, and to this end me appearing in court. To me it seems relevant that the law needs to be changed to make me and my fellow carnivore careres and keepers, non criminals and to bring it in line with the rest of Australia. Rather than charge me and fine me, it is incumbent on this court to recommend an investigation into the validity of the current law, and make it a national piece of legislation. In my investigations prior to coming here today, I have spoken to many people who are experts in the fields of caring for raptors and most agree that it is not a simple open and shut case as to what is the appropriate diet on which to feed them prior to release . The most important factor is that they are healthy, have been adequately prepared for release and that the carers responsibility has been discharged. As representative of the Queensland legal system, have the ability to make such a recommendation to make such a change and defer charging me until that decision is made retrospective until then. If they do fine me or the Eagles Nest Wildlife Hospital today, it will put an end to our activity, as we are not in any way able to cope with any more costs.
The region desperately needs our facility and it’s closure would be the death knell for all future injured, sick and orphaned wildlife. .....
So after the rabbits were taken away from us, we struggle to keep the hospital going, food is expensive and reliable workers are not easy to find.
Every support and donation is very welcome, YOU can help us save our precious Australian wildlife.
Donations are important for animals, everybody can help.
If you have any questions please have a look at our homepage ( www.wildlife-sanctuary.info), email us ( nestforeagles@yahoo.com.au) or call us at the Eagles Nest. Phone: 40976098
Thursday, July 30, 2009
About Harry and the Eagles Nest
About me in person
I’m Harry Kunz. I came to Australia in 1982 from Austria, living in Sydney whilst I learnt English. I was fascinated by your native Australian Wildlife which I saw when I frequented Toronga Zoo. But I soon discovered that Australia was so much like Europe. So little was being done to preserve the native Wildlife species which were rapidly becoming endangered or even extinct. There appeared to be so few organisations carrying out rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured sick and orphaned creatures back into the wild. I vowed to do as much as I could to ensure this would happen.
When I embarked on a trip around Australia, I discovered many more unique and spectacular wildlife species, so that when I settled down in Kuranda I began myself appointed role as a carer. I quickly made application and received all the necessary permits to cover all species not only in the care of but in the research and education of others about them.
In particular birds of prey (Raptors other carnivores) no specific instructions accompanied this permit as to how I was to feed them and what animals were restricted in Queensland. I don’t think anyone really knew. So I did the best I could with whatever was available at the cheapest cost. I eventually left Kuranda moved to Millstream Estates and set up a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2001. In 2005, with the help of some likeminded neighbours, we established “Eagles Nest Wildlife Hospital Inc.”, becoming incorporated for the purpose of collecting funds and applying for grants for equipment and facilities. Obtaining revenue funding is very difficult although we have been successful in acquiring some capital funding through semi Govt. Bodies.
I’m Harry Kunz. I came to Australia in 1982 from Austria, living in Sydney whilst I learnt English. I was fascinated by your native Australian Wildlife which I saw when I frequented Toronga Zoo. But I soon discovered that Australia was so much like Europe. So little was being done to preserve the native Wildlife species which were rapidly becoming endangered or even extinct. There appeared to be so few organisations carrying out rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured sick and orphaned creatures back into the wild. I vowed to do as much as I could to ensure this would happen.
When I embarked on a trip around Australia, I discovered many more unique and spectacular wildlife species, so that when I settled down in Kuranda I began myself appointed role as a carer. I quickly made application and received all the necessary permits to cover all species not only in the care of but in the research and education of others about them.
In particular birds of prey (Raptors other carnivores) no specific instructions accompanied this permit as to how I was to feed them and what animals were restricted in Queensland. I don’t think anyone really knew. So I did the best I could with whatever was available at the cheapest cost. I eventually left Kuranda moved to Millstream Estates and set up a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2001. In 2005, with the help of some likeminded neighbours, we established “Eagles Nest Wildlife Hospital Inc.”, becoming incorporated for the purpose of collecting funds and applying for grants for equipment and facilities. Obtaining revenue funding is very difficult although we have been successful in acquiring some capital funding through semi Govt. Bodies.
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