Update
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Over a month's rehabilitation and recovery at the Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre (Saprec) has resulted in two healthy seagulls released into the wild at Santos Beach on Monday morning, 14 July.
The first of these was found covered in varnish at the Mossel Bay Harbour on 27 May.
The gull was taken to Saprec where the centre's founder, Carol Walton, worked for hours to remove the sticky substance, which had completely stuck its wings to its body, from the gull's feathers.
Walton managed to totally rid the bird of the varnish by 31 May, however, the seagull could not be released into the wild until the natural oils on its feathers, which keeps them waterproof and its body buoyant on water, had built up. Walton said this process would take over a month.
Carol Walton releases the gull who was found at the harbour a month ago, covered in varnish. Photo: Saprec
The second seagull, a juvenile, was also rescued from the harbour just a few days after the first, on 2 June. The bird had fishing line tangled around one of its feet, causing it to be partially amputated.
This gull was taken to Hartenbos Animal Hospital where the foot was completely amputated and the wound treated. On 4 June, it was transported to Saprec and the lengthy journey to recovery began.
Walton said Monday was the right time to finally release them back into the wild. The first gull had recovered its natural oils and could stay afloat on water, while the second gull had adjusted well to moving around on one foot.
Carol Walton of Saprec releases the seagull with the amputated foot. Photo: Saprec
"It was an incredibly happy and beautiful moment when the birds were released," said Walton.
"The one without a foot hobbled down to the stream at Santos and took a drink of water, and the other took flight and enjoyed being in the air again."
Walton has urged members of the public to call Saprec on 082 364 3382 as soon as they see a seabird in distress.
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