Kildare Wildlife Rescue (KWR) has appointed Katerini Vathi as its full time vet in what is understood to be the country's only full-time exclusively wildlife rehabilitation vet.
Ms Vathi has worked with KWR, which is Ireland’s largest and most specialised wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, for the past number of years on a voluntary basis alongside her full time job but has now taken up the position exclusively with KWR.
Founded in 2022, KWR is a volunteer-founded and volunteer-run charity fully licensed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Last year, the organisation admitted over 5,000 wild animals into care, treating a wide variety of species from across the country.
The organisation is also the only Oiled Wildlife Unit in Ireland, providing highly specialised care to animals affected by oil spills and other large-scale environmental incidents.
Operated by highly trained volunteers, the company’s Help Desk runs seven days a week from 8am to 11pm, including weekends and bank holidays.
Operators assess each report individually to determine species, age, condition and risk, ensuring urgent cases are prioritised while safeguarding both wildlife and the public.
Demand for the service has increased dramatically.
Since January 2023, KWR has recorded a year-on-year rise in calls for help.
The company received 8,000 reports in 2024 with more than 13,000 reports last year - representing a 60% increase in just one year.
