A SOUTHERN Giant Petrel was released off the Durban coastline recently after 12 days of recuperating in captivity at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). The bird was found struggling in the ocean off the Ballito coastline.
The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), based at uShaka Sea World, joined staff from CROW to release the bird.
“CROW contacted us and asked our veterinary team to conduct a final health check prior to release. After observing the petrel’s behaviour, there was no doubt that the beautiful seabird was strong, healthy and ready for release,” said SAAMBR.
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The giant petrel was successfully released about 5km off the Durban shoreline from the Phakisa vessel. Lesley Labuschagne, a senior herpetologist at uShaka Sea World, was tasked with releasing the bird from the boat.
“I was in awe of the sheer wingspan of the animal – one of the biggest animals I have ever released. It is a privilege to give an animal back to nature and see it go off after being in captivity for 12 days,” she said.
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SAAMBR shared more, saying the Southern Giant Petrel, also known as the Stinkpot Petrel, is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and their numbers are increasing.
“Its distribution range is from Antarctica to the subtropics of Chile, Africa and Australia. They breed on numerous islands throughout the southern oceans. They are known as the vultures of the Southern Ocean, and although they prefer to stay alone, they often gather in groups to feed. They spend their lives at sea and only come ashore to breed on subantarctic islands,” said SAAMBR.
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