Have you met… Fiep de Bie?
Can you tell us about your path to the Atlantic Veterinary College’s (AVC) Wildlife Service?
I have always been fascinated by wildlife and volunteered with seal rehabilitation at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) before I started working as a wildlife necropsy technician with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative in 2007. After volunteering at the AVC and other wildlife service centres across Canada, I started working at the AVC Wildlife Service in 2015.
It’s such an interesting field and there is so much to learn about all the different species, their ecology, husbandry, and care. Every species has different requirements. It’s a real privilege to be working so closely with wildlife, from a hummingbird to a great horned owl.
What does an average day look like for you in your role?
The day starts with checking patients and preparing food and medication. There could be treatments involved, such as bandage changes or wound care. Some animals need to be hand-fed. Cleaning cages and refreshing food can be ongoing, especially when we have baby birds.
Other jobs are organizing student volunteers for wildlife shifts, finding and ordering food, and answering wildlife questions from the public. This year has been different because of the Avian Influenza outbreak because we have seen a reduced caseload.
What is one of the most interesting cases you’ve had in your career?
There have been many interesting cases, but the bald eagle that we have in our care is one of the most interesting cases due to the groundbreaking spinal surgery and the challenges that we faced.
You can read more about bald eagle 450 here.
Can you share a story about one of the most rewarding moments in your career?
I remember the case of a Leach’s storm petrel, a small seabird that was found at the Delta Hotel in Charlottetown. It was blown inland by a storm. This was a first for me and it was in our care for five days. The bird was weak and required hand feeding as its natural feeding habits couldn’t be mimicked in captivity. I wasn’t sure if it would fly because it would hardly move while in our care.
When the weather was suitable, I took it to the south shore in the dark. It became restless in the carrier as we approached the water. I carried it to the shore in my cupped hands and when I opened them, the wind lifted the petrel into the air, and it flew beautifully out towards the sea. It still moves me when I think about that moment.
I also find it very rewarding to work with our students, and seeing them become more confident in handling and caring for wildlife.
What are the biggest barriers you face at the AVC Wildlife Service?
The biggest barriers or challenges would be funding and staffing for our service. Unlike a cat or a dog, wildlife doesn’t come with an owner able to pay bills for treatment and care. This means that we rely on donations and grants.
Still, many people care about the welfare of wildlife and there is a real need for wildlife care. We look forward to being part of the AVC’s Diagnostic Imagine and Expansion Project and moving into a larger dedicated space for wildlife that has sufficient staff to care for all our intakes.
What would you like our readers to know about the AVC Wildlife Service?
Islanders are very passionate about wildlife. Connecting people with our wildlife service is an opportunity to learn how wildlife fares on the Island and shows the public all that AVC has to offer. This will also support the One Health concept that recognizes that animals, humans, and ecosystems are intricately linked. Collaborating with the PEI Forests, Fish and Wildlife division and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, we share vital information on wildlife health in the province.
Fiep de Bie is a wildlife technician at the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island. The AVC Wildlife Service provides veterinary care for sick and injured wild animals and is the only place in Atlantic Canada where wildlife can receive a full spectrum of diagnostic, medical, and surgical services.
The University of Prince Edward Island has selected the Atlantic Veterinary College’s Wildlife Service as the 2022 recipient of donations for Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is the world’s largest generosity movement that inspires people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity and takes place on Tuesday, November 29.
Giving Tuesday donations will continue to help AVC’s Wildlife Service to treat sick and injured wildlife like bald eagle 450. This year, a very generous donor has offered to match any donations up to $10,000. To learn more or to donate please visit https://www.upei.ca/friends/giving-tuesday or call 902.894.2888.
