DISABLED BIRDS GET SPECIALISED TREATMENT AT ZOO

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 96, 17 September 1948, Page 7

DISABLED BIRDS GET SPECIALISED TREATMENT AT ZOO

Injured sea birds, oil-blinded penguins, pukekos and wekas suffering from gunshot wounds, or from attacks' by natural enemies, all receive care and treatment through one of the lesser-known facilities offered by the Wellington Zoological Gardens. Protected birds, -albatrosses and stormy petrels are released after treatment. Over a recent three-year period, 73 blue penguins alone were treated and discharged by the zoo clinic. Disabled birds, found on beaches or in swamps by bird-lovers, have a 99 per cent chance of recovery according to figures kept at the zoo. Last month, eight of the largest ocean wanderers, albatrosses and giant petrels, were brought to the zoo for treatment. The last—a giant petrel, of the type seen in Wellington Harbour—brought in with a fish bone jammed across its throat, was treated, and. released recently off Moa Point, by one of the keepers. For pukekos and wekas, a serene life in the sanctuary of the zoo is offered. Once cured of their broken legs or wings, or ailments, they are released to wander at will through the many acres of the zoo reserves.