Say hello to Monkey Haven’s latest rescues, two beautiful Razorbills. These little fellows are members of the Auk family – seabirds with long barrel-shaped bodies, short tails, wings and legs – like Puffins and Guillemots.
Found covered in oil
The poor birds were found covered in oil on a beach on the south coast of the Isle of Wight.
Thankfully they were taken to Carisbrooke Vets, where they were checked over and washed several times to remove the harmful oil from their feathers.
A home to rehabilitate
After being successfully bathed, Monkey Haven’s sanctuary was asked to rehabilitate them until their feathers were fully waterproof again and they were able to be released.
Kellie Wickes explains,
“We were delighted to help.
“The birds have been in our care for nearly two weeks now and we are pleased to report they are both doing great!
“They have good appetites and are loving the sand eels we’ve been serving up for them, purchased fresh from a local angling shop.”
Ready to be released in the next few days
Kellie added,
“They have been preening themselves in their water bath which helps stimulate the oil glands to waterproof their feathers, and they have both had their final check ups and pre-release wash/drying session at the vets.
“We’re really hopeful they will be fully waterproof and ready to be released in the next few days!
“It has been a real joy to care for such special birds and we will miss seeing their little faces waddling over to greet us every morning. So grateful to the people who found them and we are excited to be sending these beautiful Razorbills on their way again very soon. A great team effort by all.”
