A heron with broken wings has been rescued and undergone surgery for treatment.
In a statement issued today, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare said the heron was found in the Rasfannu area in Male' in January.
The heron was rescued by a couple who love animals and volunteer with animals, the statement noted. The couple and Welfare for Island Cats immediately began efforts to provide treatment for the bird.
The Ministry of Animal Welfare has named the heron "Maakay".
According to the ministry, the heron's wings were broken and infected. The bird was in dire need of assistance, the ministry added.
The bird was treated at the OASES Vet Hospital for a month and had to have its wings amputated due to infection.
The ministry noted that this was the first heron surgery done in the Maldives and said that difficulties were faced in obtaining some equipment for the surgery.
The surgery was performed at OASES Vet Hospital led by Dr. Ganga Wijesinghe. Maldives' first veterinarian Dr. Hussain Misfaah Saamy also joined the surgery.
The expenses for the surgery and treatment were covered by Welfare for Island Cats. During the treatment, Maakay was fed and cared for in the home of the couple that rescued it.
The statement noted that the ministry had worked closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to obtain permits.
Although herons are protected by law, there were difficulties in providing treatment to Maakay as there were no standards or procedures to follow.
Since Maakay does not have one wing, it cannot be released into the wild and efforts were made to find a shelter for the bird.
The Emerald Resort agreed to provide a safe environment for Maakay, the ministry said, adding that an area has been designated for it on the island's beach.
The resort arranged a separate launch to transport it and is closely monitoring its condition. Maakay's condition is improving, the ministry said.
The Ministry of Wildlife has thanked government agencies, NGOs, the veterinary hospital and the public for their efforts in rescuing the bird.
