Photo by Diya Welland.
Te Are Manu
Photos by Te Are Manu & Diya Welland
Te Are Manu (which in Cook Islands Maori means the
house of small animals), is the only veterinary clinic in the
Cook Islands. It is 100% locally owned and operated by an
amazing group of volunteers. Every cent the clinic raises
goes directly to the care of the animals of the Cook Islands.
Te Are Manu (Cook Islands) Inc. is a registered charity that
provides a wide range of veterinary services on a donation
only basis so that no animal misses out on quality healthcare
because their owner cannot
afford it. The Clinic is staffed
by volunteers: veterinarians,
veterinary nurses, and veterinary
technicians, from all over the
world who come to the Cook
Islands on a rotation basis. Along
with the Board of Directors
(all locals), there is a full time
Practice Manager, Debbie Topp
and part time assistant manager
Pip Henderson. Local residents
and school children also lend a
helping hand on a regular basis.
The full service veterinary clinic
includes an exam room, 2 fully
equipped surgeries, a digital
X-ray machine (radiographs are
developed free at the hospital) and
a cat and dog recovery/kennel area.
The clinic is always busy but it is
light and airy and has a friendly
environment.
In order for TAM to keep its doors
open, donations are vital. Payment
for services at TAM can come in
many shapes and forms from cash
or cheque or a box of fresh picked
pawpaw (papayas), bananas, mangoes...beautiful fresh fruits.
Some people offer to mow the lawns while others help with
repairs and maintenance, all donations are very welcome. Cash
donations are used to cover running costs, buy drugs, service
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equipment as well as paying the rent on the volunteers’ house
located on beautiful Arorangi beach.
When everyone first drives around Rarotonga, they are amazed
by the number of dogs running free. Most are well cared for. It
is an incredible life for a dog. They romp on the beach together
and swim as they please.
At least half of the dogs brought into the clinic are not brought
in by their owners. Usually
someone sees a dog that appears to
be sick or injured and they bring
the dog in.
Fuel is expensive on the island and
most people drive motorbikes. It is
not uncommon to have dogs and
cats transported to the clinic on
motorbikes.
Of course the downside to having
dogs running on the road, is that
many are involved with auto or
motorbike accidents. When a dog
comes in with a broken limb, what
is the best treatment? Sometimes
the best treatment is to amputate
the broken limb – you will see
some three legged dogs!!
As in all veterinary practices, one
never knows what any day will be
like. This is one of the most fun
parts of being a volunteer at the
clinic – every day is different. Te
Are Manu encourages owners to
make appointments however, walk
ins are common, especially with
injured animals.
On Saturdays when there are sufficient volunteers, they go
to the Punanga Nui Market in Avatiu. This is a must see
and do on Rarotonga for all our visitors. Te Are Manu has
a booth in the marketplace. Puppies and kittens, if available