How to Save Wildlife from Hook & Plastic Injuries   

Easter holidays are right around the corner and that means people spend time fishing, boating and sharing our natural surroundings with wildlife.   

During the holidays, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital experiences a rise in patient admissions suffering from hook and plastic injuries. 

Waterbirds and turtles admitted have usually either ingested hooks or have become entangled in fishing line.   

Poor Skagen the Australian Pelican is a victim of this environmental issue.   

This poor Pelican ingested a couple of fishing hooks and a lure in the waterways of Tweed Heads, New South Wales.   

The cost of removing hooks from Skagen’s stomach is around $3, 500.   

Not only are the injuries traumatic and expensive to treat, but they are also easily preventable.   

Tips for Preventing Hook & Plastic Injuries:  

• Dispose of your rubbish correctly  

• Don’t feed birds while fishing as it encourages them to hang around and increases their chances of being caught in lines or swallowing hooks  

• Don’t cast your line near birds  

• Safely pick up discarded fishing hooks and lines when you see them  

• If wildlife is hooked or entangled, don’t cut the line  

• If you see an animal with a fishing hook or line injury, immediately seek help by calling Currumbin Wildlife Hospital on (07) 5534 0813 or your local wildlife organisation. 

Please save precious turtles and waterbirds by donating today.