WATCH: Skiboat club members, Amanzimtoti SPCA rescue Goliath heron
In a Facebook post, the Warnadoone Skiboat Club explained that this Goliath Heron has taken up residence around the club since it was rescued some years ago, when it was spotted with a plastic packet stuck around its beak.
A GOLIATH heron escaped what could have been a slow and tragic death, when it was spotted by Warnadoone Skiboat Club members with a hook dangling from its beak on Thursday, 19 July.
The local SPCA was called and managed to rush the gigantic bird to the vet in time to have it treated and safely released.
In a Facebook post, the Warnadoone Skiboat Club explained that this Goliath Heron has taken up residence around the club since it was rescued some years ago, when it was spotted with a plastic packet stuck around its beak.
READ ALSO: Seabirds count cost of baited hooks, litter on Amanzimtoti beaches
This Thursday the bird had fallen prey to human negligence again when it was spotted by club members with a hook dangling from its beak.
“I saw the Goliath Heron struggling this morning and realised that there was a sinker hanging out of his beak,” said Irinde Holtzhausen.
“I saw that the hook must have gotten stuck in his beak with a line and the sinker was hanging out. He frantically tried to get the sinker released but ended up wrapping the line around his leg. Down went the Goliath Heron into the water.”
Jaco Blignaut saw the opportunity and ran to the rescue.
“He ran into the water, grabbed the Heron, pulled him out of the water and pinned him down. He removed the hook, but soon realised that it was attached to another hook with bait on it. One of the hooks ended up making a big hole in the bird’s neck,” said Irinde.
The Amanzimtoti SPCA was called and in no time Tracey Girling and Dawn du Plooy were on the scene. They rushed the bird to the vet, where the hook and line was removed, the injury mended, the bird x-rayed and released back to the shelter.
The heron was taken back to the surroundings of the skiboat club where it resides. All were graced with the beautiful sight of the gracious bird released, where it flew off freely.
The skiboat club thanked Jaco and SPCA’s Dawn and Tracey for the swift response.
While the community is relieved to hear that this majestic bird was safely released and that the story ended well, it should not be forgotten that the reason for the pain experienced by this innocent animal was the result of human negligence.
READ ALSO: Good Samaritans help Warner Beach lagoon heron
Beach users and anglers specifically, are urged to consider all the creatures that call the ocean and beach their home. Collect your litter and walk the extra distance to ensure its disposed of safely and correctly.
Watch the release here (video supplied):Â
https://www.facebook.com/SPCAamanzimtoti/videos/1644688495654504/
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