Kildare wildlife finds a brand new champion

KILDARE Wildlife Rescue (KWR), has appointed Katerini Vathi as its full-time vet for the summer season, and the appointment is believed to be the first of its kind in Ireland as Katerini is the country’s only full-time exclusive wildlife rehabilitation vet.

Up to now KWR – despite being Ireland’s largest and most specialised wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre - has relied on its neighbouring ‘Village Vets’ in Greyabbey who kindly donate their time and expertise to the patients at KWR’s Wildlife Hospital all year round.

However, with the busy summer season approaching the charity was in urgent need of a full-time vet and began a unique fundraising event to allow it to employ a specialist wildlife vet.

Some of Ireland’s most talented jewellery makers have come together to donate 31 pieces of their work for a raffle aimed at raising money to fund the appointment, and the ‘Goldsmiths for Wildlife’ raffle organised by Janice Byrne continues until 15 May.

Katerini Vathi has worked with KWR for the past number of years voluntarily alongside her full-time job but has now taken up the position exclusively with KWR.

Founded in 2022 by experienced wildlife professionals, KWR is a volunteer-founded and run charity fully licensed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

In 2025, the organisation admitted over 5,000 wild animals into care, treating a wide variety of species from across the country.

KWR plays a critical national role, working closely with members of the public, veterinary professionals, NPWS rangers, county councils, An Garda Síochána, other animal rescues and independent wildlife rehabilitators. 

KWR is also the only Oiled Wildlife Unit in Ireland, providing specialised care to animals affected by oil spills and other large-scale environmental incidents.