A Giant Petrel was found on Port Elizabeth’s Maitland beach two weeks ago, weak and dehydrated, and was taken to SAMREC for rehabilitation.
The release was done from the Spirit of Toft, Port Elizabeth’s deep sea rescue boat, 2.5 mile due west of Cape Recife in 3m swells on Saturday morning.
Jared Harding, the animal manager from SAMREC was aboard the rescue boat to release the bird.
Release went well with NSRI crew staying well clear of it’s dangerous beak. The Giant Petrel spent about 15 minutes sitting on the water before stretching its wings and making some small flights – once Jared confirmed that the bird was happy the rescue boat headed back to base.
Pictures are available for media download on Sea Rescue’s Flickr page.
Photographs by Alan Straton.
Moments before the Giant Petrel Release. Photograph Alan Straton.
Thanks for looking after my feathered friends. Those giant Petrels are magnificent.