Flurry of patients at Hungary's wildlife rescue clinic

Hungary's largest wildlife rescue clinic has treated a record number of injured animals over the past year, with cases ranging from car accidents to human interference. Many arrive at Budapest Zoo's Wildlife Clinic with broken wings, fractured bones, or other critical injuries.

The clinic's head veterinarian Endre Sos has been caring for injured wildlife for three decades. "From the very first semester of university, wildlife was my interest," Sos said. "I started coming here, and I literally walked in from the street and went to the zoo vet at that time."

Wildlife rescue was not a priority in Hungary when Sos started his career. Over time, he and his team helped change that. Today, the clinic not only serves zoo animals but also carries out extensive rescue work across the country. "This clinic doesn't only serve the needs of the zoo. We have very extensive rescue work," Sos said.

In 2023, the clinic treated more than 2,600 animals from 127 species. About half were birds, including owls, storks, and blackbirds. The rest include mammals such as hedgehogs and bats, as well as reptiles. Some of Hungary's rarest species, including imperial eagles, wildcats and vipers, also rely on the clinic for survival.

"The program is very involved," Sos said. "These big conservation programs usually happen in the field. They take a holistic approach."

Many of the clinic's patients recover and return to the wild. Others, like a recently treated owl, will remain in a wildlife park for life due to their injuries.

Beyond rescues, the clinic also plays a role in treating animals at the Budapest Zoo. Shamu, a four-year-old elephant, is among its most critical patients. He was diagnosed with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus, a disease identified in 1995 that causes high mortality in young elephants in human care.

"The treatment is very complicated. It's antiviral drugs, steroids, and most importantly, blood transfusions," Sos said.

To save Shamu, veterinarians collected blood from other elephants in the herd for transfusions. "We had to collect blood from the other family members, and that made the difference," Sos said.

So far, Shamu has responded well to treatment, and his chances of survival have improved.

As wildlife in Hungary faces increasing threats, Sos and his team continue their mission. Whether treating an injured owl or saving an elephant, their work ensures that Hungary's wildest patients have a second chance.