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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - An African penguin chick with a broken collarbone and no use of his left flipper, rescued from Tergniet Beach in March this year, took his first swim, while still in a rehabilitation centre.
The chick was transported to the Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre (SAPREC) outside Mossel Bay on 30 March after the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) rescued it.
SAPREC founder Carol Walton said the chick was malnourished, thin and could not stand up when he was brought to SAPREC.
He was estimated to be about five or six months and had washed up on the shore because of the broken collarbone and his inability to swim.
After carefully transporting him to the centre, his journey to recovery began, but it was not smooth sailing.
VIDEO: The penguin chick enjoys a swim. Video: Chelsea Pieterse
"For three days after he was rescued, I didn't think he would survive. It was only when his appetite kicked in that I knew he was on the mend," Walton said.
"He was only 1.2kg when we found him. Now he is 2.5kg. His collarbone is healing beautifully and he now has 100% use of his left flipper."
Walton said he was not allowed to swim for six weeks while the bone healed and until he could use both flippers fully.
Six weeks ago, this chick was found washed up on Tergniet Beach. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
She said he was let into the water in the pool at SAPREC's property almost two weeks ago.
"The collarbone is not completely aligned so we will wait for that, and we want to build up the muscles around the bone before we rewild him," she said.
Walton thanked S.M.A.R.T. for assisting with the rescue.
"This is just another example of how well the different organisations work together," she said.
SAPREC is a non-profit organisation. If you would like to support or donate to SAPREC, or become a volunteer, contact Walton (082 364 3382).
He now has full use of his left flipper and his collarbone is healing well. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
The penguin chick was unable to swim for six weeks. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
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