Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Stacey Schaeffer

We have many volunteers at World Bird Sanctuary.  Many specialize in one area. For example the office, at the Visitor’s Center, the Library, or our “Tuesday Crew” maintenance group that work on Tuesdays.

One such specialized volunteer gets called in the middle of the night, early in the morning, and while she is on the beach on vacation.  This volunteer is our veterinarian, Dr. Stacey Schaeffer, from the St. Louis Hills Veterinary Clinic.  Dr. Stacey does rounds every week, treating sick and injured birds at our wildlife hospital, as well as seeing to any of our permanent residents that need attention.  In addition, with her husband Dr. Erik Siebel-Spath, and her father, Dr. Robert Schaeffer, they all will treat birds at their clinic for surgeries, acupuncture and other treatments.

Dr. Stacey Schaeffer, DVM and Joe Hoffmann, Sanctuary Manager,examine a Red-tailed Hawk with a toe injury.

At World Bird Sanctuary we consider ourselves very lucky to not only have a dedicated veterinarian working with us, but all the clinic staff, that bring a holistic approach to wildlife rehabilitation and the treatment of our birds.  Dr. Stacey prescribes western medicines and treatments, as well as herbal remedies, acupuncture and more, drawing on generations of experience and knowledge from her family-run practice.

Joe Hoffman, Dr. Shannon Broyles, DVM and Dr. Stacey Schaeffer, DVM

examine an injured Turkey Vulture during morning 'rounds'

 For example, Dr. Stacey has introduced herbs to birds at the wildlife hospital that can slow down, and in some cases stop internal bleeding, with minimal interference to the patient.  When 98% of all hospital cases are collision victims, and many of those have internal bleeding, this is an amazing addition to our arsenal of bird medications.  Under Dr. Stacey’s direction, we also use a balm made of Chinese herbs to help wounds heal more quickly.

Roger Holloway (WBS) and Dr. Schaeffer examine an emergency case - a Red-tailed Hawk shot with a bow arrow.  Dr. Schaeffer's quick response and expertise saved this hawk, which was eventually successfully returned to the wild. 

The most helpful thing that Dr. Stacey brings to save these beautiful birds is her compassion.  She always cares, 24/7.  She comes by it naturally – it runs in the family.  Dr. Stacey’s mother and father recently rescued a pelican while on vacation in Florida in February!  I just hope I don’t have to bother her when she’s on the beach on her vacation again this year.

Submitted by Joe Hoffmann, Sanctuary Manager