A Cape gannet rescued from the water by Wayne Marsh, skipper of MustByt Fishing Charters on Monday this week is in a critical condition.

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The bird was rushed through to Second Chance Avian Rescue (SCAR).

Michelle Pearson of SCAR said the fishing line which was tightly wrapped around the bird’s bill and head was removed by Dr Leon Bruggemann at Margate Vet Hospital, and an x-ray was done to rule out any hook ingestion.

The bird is very weak and weighs 1.5kg, but we are hopeful for a full recovery

The Cape gannet is a Threatened Or Protected Species (TOPS) marine bird, and has recently been up-listed to endangered on the IUCN database.

Michelle pleads with fisherman not to discard their fishing tackle on the beach as the sea birds and other ocean life end up suffering.

In May,  an adult kelp gull was found lying in a rock pool and rushed through by a couple of kind women when they noticed the bird was still breathing.

Fishing line was tightly wrapped around both legs where it had cut deep into the flesh, to the extent where the right foot had already rotten off, and the left foot well on it’s way. Despite the poor prognosis, the attempt was made to try and save the bird’s life.

After an intense five-hour long process and the gull going into shock on numerous occasions, it’s condition finally stabilised.

Another couple of hours later, it was drinking water on it’s own and even started self-feeding.

However Michelle says they had to euthanase the bird as the remaining foot could not be saved.

She currently needs sardines and Hills a/d critical care.  Any donations are welcome – contact Michelle at 083 2466765.

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