New Zealand is unique in the world. With the exception of bats, Aotearoa has no native land-based mammals. Our bird populations have adapted to this – some, like the kiwi, are flightless, and others nest on the ground. Into this environment introduced predators like stoats, cats, possums and rats have wreaked havoc, pushing populations of our precious taonga towards the precipice of extinction. Humans also exact a mighty toll. But the South Island Wildlife Hospital in Christchurch, which is operated by volunteers from the Wildlife Veterinary Trust, is doing its bit to help by treating and rehabilitating injured and sick native birds and reptiles.

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