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Wild bird invasion: Clinic struggles for support after summer heat!
The JLU Gießen clinic is struggling with wild bird admissions and food shortages; Funding urgently needed for animal protection measures.
Wild bird invasion: Clinic struggles for support after summer heat!
In the first days of July 2025, the Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish at the Justus Liebig University of Giessen (JLU) was confronted with a significant increase in wild birds. A total of 282 wild birds were brought to the facility during this time. The clinic specializes in the care, medical treatment and feeding of primarily young birds. Clinic Director Prof. Dr. However, Michael Lierz warns that the situation is tense as the clinic is working at its capacity limit. Funding wildlife care is an ongoing issue that needs to be resolved to ensure continued practice uni-giessen.de reported.
In the first half of 2025, over 1,000 wild animals were brought to the clinic. Normally the number is between 1,000 and 1,400 per year, which indicates the current increased awareness among the population. Due to the high temperatures this summer, young birds in particular are in distress. Many jumped out of their nests too early or found themselves dehydrated and prone to injury on the ground, which complicates the supply situation. Loud augsburger- Allgemeine.de Swallows and swifts in particular have difficulty finding suitable nesting sites, which further exacerbates the situation.
Challenges in supply
The logistical challenge of feeding the animals poses major problems for the clinic. The natural food shortage is significant because many wild birds rely on insects. The wildlife medicine working group, which was founded in 2024 and works closely with private wildlife sanctuaries, enjoys the support of the Gießen district, but the financial resources are not sufficient to ensure long-term care. “The future of the working group is uncertain as long as funding remains questionable,” said Lierz.
Over 30 volunteers, mostly students, make an important contribution to the daily care of the wild animals in the clinic. A team from insect research has now also organized additional food to support the animals in particularly critical times. In order to mobilize the population, the clinic gives various tips: For example, young birds running around should be observed, as they are often cared for by their parents. However, naked young birds and swifts that have fallen out of their nests urgently need help. In addition, providing bird baths in gardens or on balconies can make a significant contribution on hot days.
Appeal to the population and support options
In view of the dramatic situation, Prof. Dr. Lierz to the population to get actively involved and pay attention to the needs of wild animals. In order to support the work of the clinic, a donation account has been set up under the name “Association for the Promotion of Avian Medicine in Giessen e.V.” running. The bank details are: Sparkasse Gießen, IBAN: DE84 5135 0025 0222 0305 50, BIC: SKGIDE5FXXX.
The search for sustainable financing for environmental protection projects, as is also necessary in wildlife care, could be made easier through various funding options. Federal and state programs that provide tailored applications for environmental and nature conservation can serve as an example, such as nabu.de is explained. These include, among others, the European Agricultural Fund and the “Federal Biological Diversity Program”. Such funding could help wildlife medicine in Giessen to continue and expand its valuable work.