Whether it’s for people or animals, first aid is essential in case of an injury. For example, if a suffering animal is found several hundred kilometres away from our centre, it is important that it receives immediate assistance, as without it, it might not survive the long journey to Târgu Mureș.

This is why it is truly a blessing that veterinarians working in different parts of the country have joined us. Without them, we would be sharing fewer stories about successfully rehabilitated wild animals. One of these veterinarians is Levente Solyom and the Vet Point Vest veterinary practice in Arad, where Levente works.

Our collaboration began nearly 10 years ago when we organized the “Saving Injured Wildlife – Veterinary Perspectives” conference in Târgu Mureș and invited veterinarians from across the country to join the National Wild Animal Rescue Network.

Not only our pets may need medical care. “We try to help every animal that is brought in. We take the animal in, ask the person who found it when and where it was found. If we know the species and can provide first aid, we proceed. If we need help, we have a ‘hotline’ to Levente Borka” – says Levente Solyom, who is not intimidated by the fact that he may never have dealt with a particular species, knowing that Levente Borka, a veterinarian, is always available with advice and useful information.

There are cases where thanks to rapid intervention, it is no longer necessary for the bird to make the long journey to our centre, and it can be released, but there are also cases where Levente Solyom and his team transport the injured animal to Târgu Mureș to the Vets4Wild clinic and hand it over to Levente Borka, for further treatment and rehabilitation.

When asked what the most memorable case was that he dealt with, Levente Solyom shared several special situations with us. “When the young vulture landed near Timișoara and could no longer fly… the bird is now a resident of the Târgu Mureș Zoo. Or the owl that suffered a skull injury, due to which we thought would die, but thanks to my colleagues, it survived. Or the shipment of 8-10 owl chicks, which we transported to Borka Levente. Or the injured Honey buzzard, for which my father-in-law hunted bees and wasps in his yard” – Levente Solyom listed.

It’s better to remember these cases than those where euthanasia was necessary, which still touches Levente and his colleagues.

Without Levente Solyom, his colleagues at the Vet Point Vest veterinary practice in Arad, and similar veterinarians, fewer storks, buzzards, owls, and others would fly above us.

If you are a veterinarian willing to help a wild animal in need, or a volunteer who could care for a “patient” for a few days, do not hesitate to contact our Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at the emergency number: 0722533816.

On this occasion, we would like to say a heartfelt “Thank you!” to all veterinarians and volunteers who contribute to rescuing injured animals. Over the next few months, we aim to introduce these vets so that we can learn more about why they chose to get involved.