AN adult kelp gull was admitted to the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow), in Yellowwood Park in critical condition on Tuesday, 20 May.
The bird, which was taken from the Bluff, had a fish hook stuck in its throat and gut wrapped around its foot. Due to its severe condition, it had to be put down later that day.
Crow appeals to fishermen to ensure they do not leave fishing hooks and gut lying around after fishing. Birds often die from septicaemia after ingesting a hook left inside a squid or fish head, discarded by fishermen. Some birds even lose their feet as a result of gut wrapped around it.
If you come across a bird with gut in their mouth, do not cut it, as this could result in the bird swallowing the hook. Keep the bird calm and call Crow on 031-462-1127 to assist.
Fish hook costs gull’s life
Fishermen's hooks endanger birds.
