Urgent Rescue of the Lost Newborn Serow
On January 4, 2022, Wanpi World received a recently born Formosan serow, a native species of Taiwan, from the Tainan City Government Agriculture Bureau. When the little one was found by rural villagers, it was still with fluffy fur and its umbilical cord was not fully dried.
Upon arrival at the rescue center, the vets conducted an initial examination. While there were no external injuries, the baby serow showed signs of rapid breathing and wheezing during auscultation. X-rays revealed clear symptoms of pneumonia.
Immediate measures were taken, including subcutaneous fluid therapy for glucose supplementation, antibiotic injections, and feeding small amounts of milk. The baby serow was placed under 24-hour veterinary care. Because its umbilical cord was still attached and its fur color resemble a chipmunk, it was named "Chichi."
In the first three days of Chichi's admission to the park for rehabilitation, it was fed eight meals a day (with 90ml of goat formula milk per meal). Probiotics were added to the milk to help establish healthy gut microbiome. To address the pneumonia symptoms, Chichi received nebulizer treatments twice a day, each session lasted for 30 minutes. In the form of a mist, the medication could effectively enter the upper respiratory tract, helping to dilute respiratory secretion and mucus, making it easier to cough out. It also helps relieve local irritation and associated inflammatory responses.
From Creep Feed to Complete Weaning: The Journey of a Baby Serow
Chichi, the Formosan serow, showed great appetite and cooperation with all treatments. With the pneumonia symptoms gradually under control, on the third day of rehabilitation, the vets adjusted Chichi's feeding schedule to five times a day (140ml of goat formula milk per meal). They also began to let Chichi move around outdoors on the grass and soak up some sun. This not only allowed the vets to monitor Chichi's breathing, but also helped it in synthesizing vitamin D and maintaining normal physiological functions, and preventing subsequent exercise intolerance due to pneumonia.
Under careful care of the vets, Chichi's weight increased from 2.15 kg to 4.38 kg after one month. During this time, Chichi began nibbling on dry grass (Bermuda, sweet oats), and so, solid foods (tree leaves, mulberry leaves) were introduced. Unripe mulberries on branches became one of Chichi's favorite foods. After supplying grass and leaves in its diet, Chichi's feeding frequency was adjusted to four times a day (140ml of goat formula milk per meal). The milk amount was gradually reduced while more solid food was given.
Rescue Mission Successfully Completed
Thanks to the attentive care of the vets, the Formosan serow Chichi made a full recovery after over three months of treatment. On April 5, Chichi stopped the nebulizer therapy, and was successfully weaned on April 11.
Concerned about any lingering effects of pneumonia on Chichi's stamina, the vets frequently took it to the large pasture in the zoo to run around, explore, and play. Chichi loved climbing trees and the artificial mountains in the zoo to nibble on leaves. On the pasture, it tried different plants, decided that the leaves and flowers of the orchid trees were its favorite snacks.
Chichi grew up safe and sound, and fully recovered his spirits. With the rescue mission at the Wanpi World Rescue Center coming to an end, Chichi was arranged by the Tainan City Government Agriculture Bureau to be transferred to the Pingtung Rescue Center at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology for the next stage of the rewilding training.
This rescue mission has been a valuable experience for the Wanpi World Rescue Center. We have carefully documented the entire process as an important reference for future rescue work. We will continue to devote ourselves to wildlife rescue efforts.