Crow tackles oil spill crisis, saves afflicted birds
CROW received two separate emergency calls relating to the birds. Deeply concerned, the team gathered their gear and rushed to rescue the oil covered birds.
THE Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) volunteers were recently tasked with the responsibility to save and rehabilitate geese and a pelican that arrived at the centre covered in oil and at risk of death. The birds were found by a member of the public near the Bluff Yacht Club last week.
Crow received two separate emergency calls relating to the birds. Deeply concerned, the team gathered their gear and rushed to rescue the oil covered birds. Yellowwood Park Ward Councillor Gavin Hegter, a Crow executive committee member, was informed and immediately offered his assistance.
The rescue of nine Egyptian Geese and a Pelican was made possible thanks to the quick action of a man who spotted their distress. Modestly, he prefers not to be named or praised publicly for his heroic action. The Crow team rounded up as many of the afflicted birds as possible and hurried them to the Crow clinic, where avian specialist Sue-Anne Shutte, took them under her metaphorical wing. She and her assistants immediately began the arduous process of removing the oil using a specialised non-irritant detergent and lots of TLC.
“Ironically, given the source of the bird’s distress, the application of cooking oil to the bird’s feathers allows the detergent to penetrate right to the base of the feather’s shaft and do its work most effectively. After a good rubdown, the birds are rinsed off in a cool bath of water. The treatment is done on alternate days to spare the birds unnecessary stress,” said Crow’s marketing and communications officer, Lana Bartholomew.
Former bird curator at the Umgeni Bird Park, Shutte is also in charge of the rehabilitation of all birds at Crow, shared why oil spills are so hazardous to wild birds: “The unique design of their feathers allows birds to regulate their body temperature. When they are covered in oil they can’t perform this function and run the risk of dying from heatstroke in very hot weather. The stress they are exposed to can also cause death.”
Both Portnet and KZN Wildlife have been informed of the oil spill crisis and are seeking its source. In the current heatwave it is vital that the problem be resolved fast. Should you spot oil-contaminated birds, contact Crow on 031-462 1127.
“Try to contain the birds if you can and place them in a well-ventilated box. If you are able to take them to Crow, they would be grateful. If not, their rescue team will collect them as soon as possible. Water-borne oil is a scourge to wildlife. Quick action saves precious lives,” said Bartholomew.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
