Local newsNews
Bitten African penguin on the mend after washing up on Karridene Beach
A juvenile African penguin found on the beach at Karridene on 6 December is slowly regaining its health.
Kelso, as he has been named by the uShaka Sea World hospital staff who have been treated him, was collected and taken to the marine sanctuary with suspected shark bite wounds to the back of both his legs.
Routine medical checks such as blood-taking and weighing were done when he arrived. The staff noted that he weighed 4kgs and was undergoing a moult from juvenile into adult plumage.
According to a social media posting by the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), Kelso’s right leg had the most serious damage and he was placed on antibiotics for the infected wounds, as well as pain killers. X-rays revealed no broken bones but some muscle damage. Regular swimming as physiotherapy was also initiated.
“We are happy to report that Kelso has now almost completed his moult and has stood up on his own for the first time. This is remarkable progress so far, but a long road still lies ahead.”
