Durban — The Mammal and Bird Department at uShaka Sea World are hopeful the second penguin they admitted will survive and thrive after the first one died.
Last Sunday, July 14, the Mammal and Bird Department at uShaka Sea World admitted their second stranded penguin of the season.
“Unfortunately, their first patient, young Ace, did not survive,” said South African Association for Marine Biological Research spokesperson Ann Kunz.
“They are, however, hopeful that this young penguin who was found stranded on the beach at Salt Rock will not only survive but thrive.”
“On admission, he was found to be terribly thin and dehydrated with bite marks on his left wing and right shoulder. Thankfully, X-rays showed no broken bones. The staff named him Bowie after ’70s rock star David Bowie,” Kunz continued.
“After an initial period of deep rest and rehydration, he woke up with a surprisingly ferocious appetite. He has put on half a kilogram since he arrived.”
Kunz explained that a healthy penguin at Bowie’s age should weigh 2.8kg and his weight was well below that figure.
uShaka Sea World Lead Animal Care Specialist Kelly de Klerk said: “I am confident that Bowie will reach his goal weight within the next three weeks as he is already eating nine sardines a day. He is a gentle penguin who seems focused on regaining his strength whilst at the same time keeping himself nice and clean. He enjoys his baths and wipe-downs and tries hard to participate by clumsily attempting to preen himself.
“I feel honoured to be Bowie’s caregiver and look forward to every interaction I have with him.”
Kunz added and advised the public that if you come across a penguin on any KZN beach, it is most certainly out of its home range and in need of assistance. Please do not attempt to return the penguin to the ocean and contact them as soon as you are able on their 24-hour line – 031 328 8222.
Meanwhile, when Ace was admitted earlier this month, the penguin appeared understandably weak, underweight and a little dehydrated. After her long journey from the Cape, she was otherwise free of any apparent injuries.
At the time, De Klerk said after a quick assessment of her overall condition, she gave Ace a solution of Darrows (oral glucose-electrolyte mixture) to replace lost electrolytes and positioned her in a quiet area to rest. When she was a little stronger, De Klerk was going to reassess her and start offering her small pieces of fish.
Had Ace fully recovered from her ordeal at sea, the uShaka Sea World veterinary team would have given her a full medical. If all was well, they would have made plans for her return to the ocean. She would have been flown to the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) in Gqeberha to prepare for release.
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