Upon initial assessment, I checked the mice for any injuries and placed them in an incubator to keep them warm. At this age, the babies were still blind, deaf, and hairless. I was initially uncertain about the proper care procedures for animals this small, so I liaised with my manager. One of the first and most crucial aspects of their care was feeding them every two hours. However, I quickly found out that there is no specific milk formula available for baby mice, therefore I had to create a suitable replacement. Through collaboration with other wildlife rescues and extensive research on the internet, I developed a formula made from kitten milk mixed with critical care powder. There were also other obstacles such as the syringes we had access to were too large for the tiny mice. I learned that another rehabilitation centre had successfully used small paintbrushes dipped in milk to feed neonatal mice and other baby animals. This thankfully solved our problems.

Given the fragility of the situation, I made sure to research safe feeding techniques and seek guidance from my manager to avoid the risk of aspiration. Additionally, I also learned that baby mice at this stage required stimulation to urinate and defecate, a process typically performed by the mother. After consulting my manager, we determined that using a warm Q-tip was the most effective method.

During my research, I also discovered that improper feeding or overfeeding could lead to bloating or malnourishment, conditions that can be fatal. To prevent this, my manager and I established a feeding schedule based on the body weight of the mice. This was critical to ensuring their survival and development.

As the mice were too young to be left unsupervised overnight, I made the decision to provide offsite rehabilitation for more intensive care. As the mice grew, they became more active, therefore I had to discover new methods to hold them still while feeding without causing injury. I researched a technique of wrapping them securely in toilet paper, known as the "burrito method."

Reflecting on this experience, I realize how much I learned about neonatal animal care. Initially, I felt out of my depth, however, through research and enquiries I was able to develop a comprehensive care plan. One of the most significant challenges was finding a way to feed such tiny, fragile animals when the standard tools at the hospital were not small enough. This experience taught me the importance of thinking creatively and being resourceful, such as using paintbrushes to feed the mice.

Throughout this experience, I also learned the importance of ongoing collaboration and support from experienced colleagues. My manager’s guidance was invaluable, and working together with other wildlife rescues expanded my knowledge. This experience solidified my passion for wildlife rehabilitation, and I am now more confident in my ability to care for vulnerable animals. It also reinforced the importance of continuous learning in this field.

I decided to create a splint using materials that could provide support without causing further harm. I cut a small piece of cardboard to the size of the duckling’s foot. Once I had developed the structure for the splint, I then found a way to secure it onto the duckling’s foot without causing irritation or injury to the sensitive skin. Initially, I considered using vet wrap which is commonly used in animal care. However, I was concerned about the risk of skin irritation, particularly because ducklings are often exposed to water, which could dampen the tape and cause discomfort or even skin damage as it is very strong.

After exploring the options available at the hospital, I decided to use a “medihoney” dressing initially, a product I had used previously in other cases. This dressing, made from a honey-based fabric, is soft, non-stick, and has antibacterial properties, making it ideal for preventing irritation and supporting the natural healing process. The medihoney dressing would not only protect the duckling's foot but also help maintain the health of the skin and tissue during the healing process.

Once the splint was in place, I ensured that the duckling received the proper care, including a nutrient-rich diet, calcium supplements, and exposure to a UV lamp to aid in the healing of its bones. Throughout the following week, I observed the duckling’s progress closely. As expected, the splint provided the necessary support to allow the duckling to be able to stand and walk on its foot. This case was an invaluable learning experience that significantly contributed to my growth as a problem solver and wildlife rehabilitator.

An important skill developed during this experience was the ability to solve problems effectively. Reflecting on this experience, I realize how crucial problem-solving and resourcefulness are. It was a reminder that we often work with limited resources in a charity situation, therefore it’s essential to be adaptable and creative when designing treatment plans. As I continue my future work in wildlife rehabilitation, I am better equipped to handle future situations that require quick thinking and creative solutions. This case will remain a valuable lesson in the importance of innovative thinking, effective problem solving, and using the resources available to provide the best care possible.

In my role at an animal hospital, I have encountered a variety of challenging and emotional situations that have required me to demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and resilience. One aspect of my work involves triaging animals brought in by members of the public, often in distressing and upsetting conditions. As part of my responsibilities, I assess the animal’s injuries, gather information from the finder about the circumstances of the incident, and decide on the appropriate course of action. While our hospital always prioritizes recovery and release of the animal, there are some occasions where the injuries are so severe that euthanasia becomes the most compassionate option.

After performing an initial assessment and coming to the conclusion that this was the kinder option, I collaborated with other staff members and a vet to ensure that euthanasia was the right decision, and only after allowing the animal adequate time to stabilise. However, once the decision has been made, it is often met with strong emotional reactions from the finder, who can be upset or even angry.

One particular instance stands out where a finder, upon being told that the animal would be euthanized, demanded that I return the animal to them, offering to care for it themselves. In this situation, I had to remain calm and professional while empathising with their grief. I walked them through our process, from the triage stage to the final decision-making, explaining that the decision was made with the animal's welfare and future in mind, which seemed to help alleviate some of their distress.

This experience has played a significant role in shaping my resilience, personal autonomy, communication, and emotional intelligence, which are all key aspects of my personal and professional development.

In the future, I plan to further continue to develop both my emotional resilience and communication skills, ensuring that I can continue to handle difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy. Ultimately, these experiences have given me the tools to navigate the emotionally complex aspects of animal care with confidence.

In addition to the stall setup, a crucial part of my role was interacting with the public; engaging with them to raise awareness about the hospital’s work, answering questions, and sharing insights into the industry. This gave me an opportunity to apply my industry knowledge and leadership abilities in a practical context.

The most significant insight I gained from this experience is the importance of adaptability in leadership. When running these stalls, when things didn’t go to plan; whether it is the card machine not working or having complex conversations with the public. I quickly realized that successful leadership isn’t just about sticking to a plan, but about being flexible and open to changing circumstances. This ability to adapt has become an invaluable skill, especially in high-pressure situations where the ability to think on your feet can make all the difference.

Before we began, one other regular volunteer and I spent time discussing the tasks ahead and the best way to divide our efforts. We quickly realised that the most efficient approach would be to split roles based on our strengths. I focused on training and supporting the new volunteers, answering their questions, explaining procedures, and helping them build confidence in their roles. Meanwhile, the regular volunteer took the lead on feeding and cleaning routines for the other animals; a task they were already confident and efficient in. By making this simple but strategic decision, we ensured that everything was covered without overloading anyone and by the end of the day, all the work was completed, and the new volunteers had a positive, first experience and seemed to learn quickly.

Welcoming and integrating new volunteers is a big part of what we do. It’s always a rewarding experience, and something I view as a shared responsibility. While I provide guidance and feedback, it’s the collective spirit of the team that really makes it work. When we all take part in helping others feel included, we build a stronger, more cohesive environment.

Delegating tasks thoughtfully is another essential aspect of effective teamwork. By understanding the individual strengths and capabilities of each team member, we can divide work in a way that ensures everything runs smoothly. Whether it’s an experienced colleague taking charge, or a new volunteer helping with patient intake, every role contributes to the overall success of the day. Trusting one another and aligning our efforts helps us stay focused on what really matters; providing the best possible care for the animals.

Ultimately, teamwork at the animal hospital is built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a willingness to adapt. Whether we’re managing a busy shift, training new volunteers, or handling emergencies, working together allows us to provide the best experience not just for the animals in our care, but for every person who walks through our doors.

Through creating a detailed vlog about the daily care of our resident goats, I demonstrated leadership by educating and inspiring others to support our work. This project also reflected my understanding, not only of animal welfare, but of how to communicate compassion and resource needs in a way that resonates with people.