A GREATER Crested Tern that was recently rescued at Amanzimtoti Main Beach is recovering well at the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow).
Crow’s operations director, Clint Halkett-Siddall, said the weakened and dehydrated bird was rescued by their team after a concerned citizen alerted them.
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“Our team responded immediately and brought the bird to our rehabilitation centre where it was given antibiotics and vital fluids to help it recover. We are carefully monitoring the tern’s progress and hope that it will soon be strong enough to return to its natural habitat,” he said.
Nelson, as the bird is now affectionately known, is doing well and is now eating five to six sardines a day.
Crow is also calling on the community to help construct pre-release cages for its rehabilitated garden birds, as well as to identify possible release sites.
Halkett Siddall said these cages and sites are quite important in ensuring the success of the rehabilitation process. “Choosing the right release site is crucial for giving our rehabilitated animals the best chance to thrive in the wild,” he said.
Factors considered in selecting such sites include species, habitat, food and water availability and places with low levels of human activity and predators. These pre-release cages also help the birds get accustomed to the local environment and help them identify any predators in the vicinity and regional climate before they are completely released into the wild.
Anyone interested in supporting the cause can contact Crow on 031 462 1127 or email clinic@crowkzn.co.za
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