Injured penguin survives shark attack
In late July, an injured penguin was found lying almost lifeless on the beach at Warner Beach, Amanzimtoti, after a shark attack. The penguin was admitted into the care of uShaka Sea World, and in a short space of time, the penguin, who has been named Charlie, is on the road to recovery.
USHAKA Sea World provided an update about another penguin that was rescued from Warner Beach in Amanzimtoti on July 24 and taken into their care after being attacked by a shark.
“On July 24, an injured penguin was found lying almost lifeless on the beach at Warner Beach, Amanzimtoti. Due to the extent of the penguin’s injuries, we were initially hesitant to share his story as we did not think he would make it through the night,” said the South African Association of Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), which is based at uShaka Sea World.
According to SAAMBR’s recent statement, the injured penguin has made good progress at uShaka Sea World. “We had originally named this penguin Cher but changed his name to Charlie as we now think that she is, in fact, a he. Although he is not totally out of the woods yet, his life is no longer hanging in the balance, and we are quietly confident that he is on the road to recovery.”
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“Unfortunately, when the shark bit him, it not only lacerated his skin but pierced his cloaca which was protruding out of his body. The cloaca is a chamber where the urinary and faecal matter collects before being excreted. Our clinical veterinarian, Dr Caryl Knox, skilfully placed Charlie under anaesthetic and performed surgery to repair his cloaca before repositioning it inside his body and carefully suturing the 11cm laceration,” said SAAMBR.
“On presentation, the shark bite was severe and the prognosis for recovery was grave. Charlie has a wonderful fighting spirit and has responded well after surgery. I am so relieved and in love with this little guy,” said Knox.
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Knox said that, post-surgery, he was given fluids, antibiotics and pain medication before being left to rest and recover. “After a couple of hours of rest, he woke up feisty and hungry, and we knew, with immense relief, that he had a fighting chance. He is currently eating nine sardines a day and starting to stand up on his own, inquisitive of his surroundings.”
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