A very special rescue story. In September last year a Fjiordland Penguin was found lying amongst the rocks by Mara, at Tura Beach, thoroughly exhausted and with a major injury thought to be from a boat propeller. After weeks of intensive care with Janine, a WIRES volunteer with special skills in penguin care, treatment from Merimbula Veterinary Clinic and copious quantities of fish...he began to recover. After 8 months in care and consultation with many experts along the way, it was agreed it would be important to assess if he was able to be released successfully and would still be able to cope in the wild. Happily, Craig from NPWS and Graeme from Merimbula Veterinary Clinic in consultation with many others determined that he was. A credit to WIRES Far South East branch and WIRES volunteer, Janine and everyone who helped along the way. Last Friday the sea was flat and the water crystal clear, he waddled straight to the water’s edge, drank some seawater, looked around and jumped into the water. He came back to shore twice, jumping around on some rocks and catching a wave and seemed to be getting his bearings. He then dived in again and headed straight to the middle of the large bay hooking up with the current taking him out to the ocean. His instincts had kicked in and he was heading home. Janine reports that they watched him until the bay met the ocean. Fjiordland Penguins are not frequent visitors to NSW shores and are listed as vulnerable on the endangered species list. WIRES would like to thank Merimbula Vet, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service - Merimbula, Merimbula Tackleworld, Merimbula Aquarium Wharf Restaurant, phillip island nature parks penguin facility, Alan Scrymgeour, Marny Bonner and Margaret Larner for their advice, guidance, fish, fish and more fish during his time in care. If you would like more details about this rescue and others by our dedicated WIRES volunteers, sign up to receive our enews at bit.ly/1cm4dHQ Image credit J. Green and G. Leayr
Posted on: Wed, 21 May 2014 06:11:15 +0000
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