In February 2025, Nadeem Shehzad and Mohammad Saud presented at the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) Annual Symposium in Bellevue, WA (Seattle area) — our second time on this international stage.
The presentation focused on our refined surgical technique for repairing the propatagium — the triangular membrane along the leading edge of the wing that is critical to flight. This is the single most common injury we see from manja (glass-coated kite string), which slices through both skin and the underlying TPLT and EMR tendons.
Our first NWRA presentation was in Los Angeles in 2018, where we introduced the novel technique. Seven years later, we returned with the refined, staged version.
What's changed since 2018: - The technique has been refined and tested on 2,000+ birds - The procedure is now staged and reproducible across the team - Three other rehabilitation centers in India have adopted our method - A veterinary clinic in Pakistan has begun using a modified version
The response: The audience included rehabilitators from 15 countries. Several approached us afterward to discuss implementing the technique at their facilities.
See the full presentation with surgical-stage photos and symposium gallery: [View the NWRA 2025 Presentation Page →](/nwra-2025)
This trip was made possible by Raptor Rescue and Research Inc. — Wildlife Rescue's U.S. fiscal sponsor, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in New York.