Allan the Dollarbird Jan 21, 2012
Age: Juvenile Sex: Unknown
Found: Hopping and flapping on the side of a road in Landsborough.
Transported to: The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital by the concerned local resident who found Allan.
Veterinary Assessment: Dr Claude assessed Allan and noted weakness, but a good body score overall. X-rays revealed Allan had no fractures, however there were several foreign objects located in his stomach, including what looked like a can ring pull.
Treatment: Dr Claude gave Allan fluids, pain relief and antibiotics, and prepared for surgery the following day. However in the morning, Dr Claude discovered that overnight Allan had passed three can ring pulls, a rock, and a piece of plastic!
Outcome: Allan is still having a little trouble standing, however is now able to be sent to a registered wildlife carer for hand-raising before being released back into the wild.
AZWH Statistic: Please dispose of your rubbish carefully! Many patients are brought to us after eating what they mistake for food, and not all are as lucky as Allan.
