Injured penguin recovering well at uShaka Sea World
After having surgery, the injured juvenile African penguin is eating well and will make a full recovery thanks to the specialised team at uShaka Sea World.
AN injured penguin, which was rescued from the surf between Warner Beach and Winklespruit on July 24, is making a good recovery at uShaka Sea World.
Colin Sydney spotted the animal during his daily walk after initially mistaking it for a bird among the seagulls. “It was injured, so I wrapped it in a towel and brought it to the Baggies Kiosk and waited for uShaka to arrive,” he said, adding that the discovery came as a shock because it is not a common sight.
Also read: Gold bravery award for rescue efforts
Ann Kunz of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr), said this is the third juvenile African penguin brought to uShaka Sea World in a month. “He is far away from his home and must have followed the sardine run from the Port Elizabeth area. He was also bitten by a shark, which not only lacerated his skin but also pierced his cloaca,” she said.
Dr Caryl Knox, the clinical veterinarian, skillfully performed surgery to repair the cloaca and reposition it inside his body, followed by carefully suturing the 11cm laceration.
“Charlie, as he is now affectionately known, was then administered fluids, antibiotics and pain medication. After a couple of hours of rest, he woke up feisty and hungry, and we knew, with great joy, that he had a chance at recovery. He is currently eating nine sardines a day and digesting them well. Although he is not yet strong enough to stand on his own, his behaviour is encouraging,” she said.
The team hopes that within the next week, Charlie will be strong enough to stand and slowly waddle around his enclosure.
To report stranded sea animals, call uShaka Sea World on 031 328 8222 or 031 328 8060.
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