STAFF and volunteers at CROW (Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) were tasked with the responsibility to save and rehabilitate geese and a pelican that arrived at the centre recently, covered in oil and at risk of death.
The birds were found near the Bluff Yacht Club on Friday last week. The source of the oil contamination is being investigated.
Avian specialist and former bird curator at the Umgeni Bird Park, Sue-Anne Shutte, in charge of the rehabilitation of all birds at CROW, explained 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.”
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. Ward Councillor Gavin Hechter, a CROW executive committee member, was informed and immediately offered his assistance. The rescue of the birds – 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.
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The CROW team rounded up as many of the afflicted birds as possible and hurried them to the CROW clinic, where 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.
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. If 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. Take them to CROW if possible, however if not, CROW’s rescue team will collect them as soon as possible.
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