Australian Magpies in Crisis: The Paralysis Mystery (Part 1) скачать в хорошем качестве

Australian Magpies in Crisis: The Paralysis Mystery (Part 1)

🌿 Episode Description In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Animal Talk, host Trisha McCagh is joined by Dean Huxley, CEO of WA Wildlife Hospital, and Dr. Meg Rogers, wildlife veterinarian, to explore a growing and deeply concerning crisis affecting one of Australia’s most iconic native birds — the Australian magpie. Across Western Australia, hundreds of magpies are presenting with a mysterious paralysis-like neurological condition, leaving them grounded, unable to stand or fly, and in urgent need of care. Since 2017, cases have escalated dramatically, with wildlife hospitals now admitting 500–700 affected birds per season. Together, Trisha, Dean and Dr. Meg take listeners behind the scenes of frontline wildlife care — discussing what the syndrome looks like, why it’s so difficult to diagnose, how the WA Wildlife Hospital is responding, and why public awareness, early reporting, and volunteer support are absolutely critical. This episode also sheds light on the often unseen reality of wildlife rescue in Australia — the emotional toll on carers, the lack of government funding, and the extraordinary dedication of volunteers who step in when animals need help most. This is a conversation about compassion, conservation, and collective responsibility — and why what’s happening to magpies right now matters to all of us. 🐾 Episode Highlights The origin story of WA Wildlife Hospital and how a bold vision became reality Why wildlife vets are so rare — and why that gap matters The mysterious magpie paralysis syndrome explained How many birds are now being affected — and why numbers are rising Why botulism and avian influenza have been investigated (and ruled out so far) What supportive care looks like for paralysed magpies The vital role of volunteers in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation What to do if you see a magpie that can’t stand or fly Why patience and public understanding are essential during rescues The uncomfortable truth about zero government funding for wildlife rescue ⏱ Key Moments & Talking Points 00:00 – Welcome to Animal Talk & introduction to WA Wildlife Hospital 03:00 – From Native Arc to WA Wildlife Hospital: a decade-long vision 07:30 – Dr. Meg’s journey into wildlife veterinary medicine 10:30 – The emergence of the magpie paralysis syndrome 12:30 – From 15 cases to 700: why this crisis is escalating 15:30 – Why botulism and avian influenza were investigated 16:10 – How affected magpies are treated and cared for 17:35 – What the public should do when they see a sick magpie 19:00 – Trisha shares a real-life rescue experience 24:30 – The reality of volunteer-run wildlife rescue in Australia 31:30 – Is the syndrome dangerous to humans? What you need to know 34:20 – Why this conversation continues in Part 2 🐦 What To Do If You See a Sick or Grounded Magpie If a bird is unable to stand, walk, or fly, it needs help Call the Wildcare Helpline or your local wildlife rescue organisation If five or more birds are affected in one area, call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline before intervening If unsure, call first — trained volunteers can guide you safely 🤍 How You Can Help Volunteer with a local wildlife rescue or rehabilitation organisation Donate to WA Wildlife Hospital to support emergency care and treatment Advocate by writing to your local MP for wildlife funding Share this episode to spread awareness and education PLUS - Trisha McCagh and fellow animal communicator Dana Saidi explore powerful shifts happening in animal welfare around the world. From groundbreaking legislation to compassionate initiatives, they go beyond the headlines to ask: what does this mean from the animals’ perspective? A hopeful, thought-provoking look at how global change reflects a deeper awakening in our relationship with animals. 👥 Guest Spotlight Dean Huxley is the Chief Executive Officer of WA Wildlife Hospital, one of Australia’s leading wildlife treatment facilities. Dr. Meg Rogers is a dedicated wildlife veterinarian working on the frontline of native animal care. Donate Community donations are the lifeblood of WA Wildlife. Every dollar you donate goes directly towards animal care-related services. 🔗⁠www.wawildlife.org.au⁠   WA Wildlife Hospital 🔗support@wawildlife.org.au 🎧 Coming Up in Part 2… In Part 2, Trisha, Dean and Dr. Meg shift into solutions and advocacy — exploring how public pressure, education, and government accountability can change the future of wildlife care in Australia. Expect truth-telling, passion, and a soapbox moment you won’t want to miss. 🔔 Stay Connected And as always, don’t forget to subscribe, follow and review Animal Talk with Trisha McCagh wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support reaches more people — and more animals who need a voice. #AnimalTalkWithTrishaMcCagh #AustralianWildlife #WildlifeConservation #WildlifeRescue #WildlifeRehabilitation #Magpies #AustralianMagpies #WAWildlifeHospital #RobertIrwin #DavidAttenborough