Wildlife veterinary surgeon Dr Lisa Argilla (left), wildlife veterinary nurse Emily Brewer (centre) and senior wildlife veterinary nurse Angelina Martelli (anaesthetist) operate on a critically endangered kaki yesterday morning at the Wildlife Hospital Dunedin. The young kaki (black stilt), one of only 132 adults remaining in the wild, went under the knife at the Wildlife Hospital Dunedin yesterday morning. The native wading bird from the Mackenzie Basin sustained severe injuries in both feet requiring treatment with antibiotics and painkillers, followed by surgery yesterday to repair the damage. Her previous work with similar foot injuries on yellow-eyed penguins had informed Dr Argilla’s approach for the young kaki. Speaking yesterday afternoon, senior wildlife veterinary nurse Angelina Martelli said the kaki came through the surgery and recovered well.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 21, 2018 16:47 UTC