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A puffin has been rehabilitated and released back into the wild for the first time in the GSPCA’s 150-year history.
Pedro the puffin was released at the back of Herm along with two guillemots, Valentine and Tara. The birds had all been found separately, covered in oil, in February this year.
GSPCA Manager, Steve Byrne, said it was a “momentous day” for the animal welfare charity.
“It is rare for us to rescue puffins as they spend most of their life out at sea, and it is extremely rare for them to survive in captivity long enough to rehabilitate them so today is a very big day,” he said.
Pictured: Steve Byrne with the rehabilitated guillemots and puffin ready for release.
My Bryrne continued: “Pedro has done really well with his rehabilitation, although there were moments where we were very worried that he may not make it.
“Puffins are so delicate and often don’t survive when found sick or injured, so it is wonderful to see Pedro do so well.”
Pedro was rescued from Lihou on 9 February, Tara from Portinfer on 12 February and Valentine from Fort George on 14 February.
Pictured: The three birds were released near shell beach in Herm.
“It is difficult to know where the oil came from, but what often happens during stormy weather is that oil is disturbed from the seabed and when birds land on it they lose the ability to fly and float, which means they cannot hunt and feed themselves,” said Mr Byrne.
Mr Byrne continued: “Pedro, Tara and Valentine got along well and, as they were all rehabilitated by the same time, the decision was made to release them together."
GSPCA Animal Care Assistant, Yvonne Branquet, helped to care for the birds.
“It has been a long journey getting Pedro, Tata and Valentine from being covered in oil to how fit they are now,” she said.
“It has been wonderful to see them improve each day and to get them ready for the wild, although it will be quite an emotional moment to see them go.”
Pictured: GSPCA staff are unsure whether Pedro is male or female as puffins are difficult to sex.
The birds were released with the support of Island Rib Voyages. They have been fitted with identification rings so that they can be tracked in the future.
Mr Byrne encouraged islanders to contact the GSPCA if they find any injured wildlife.
The helpline is available 24/7 on 01481 257261.
Pictured: Guillemots, Valentine and Tara, were released with Pedro.
“There are lots of ways to support birds like Pedro, from donating to their care, or helping towards our new Wildlife Hospital, to supporting our wildlife build," said Mr Byrne.
“We are also looking for 60 sponsors to support our Puffin Parade in 2023 in conjunction with Autism Guernsey.”
More information is available HERE
Pictured: The birds were ready to release after more than two months of rehabilitation at the GSPCA.
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