The NSRI and SANCCOB teamed up to get a flock of Swift Terns to Robben Island for the last phase of their rehabilitation before being released into the wild.
Cape Town, South Africa (08 June 2021) – Happy World Ocean Day! To celebrate, we have a great rescue, rehabilitation and release story that brought the NSRI and SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) together.
These two organisations often partner to rescue injured and release healed seabirds. This time the NSRI helped get Swift Terns to Robben Island, where they will undergo the next phase of their rehabilitation before being released back into the wild.
The NSRI shared the details about the trip that turned out to be quite the wet one, and the birds had to be moved to the cover of the lower deck. Thankfully, they all arrived safe and sound on the island.
At 09h02, Sunday, 6 June, NSRI Table Bay duty crew were placed on alert to prepare to transport Swift Tern birds to Robben Island at the request of SANCCOB (SA Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds).
At 12h51, the sea rescue craft Spirit of Vodacom departed our sea rescue base accompanied by a SANCCOB ranger, 5 boxes full of Swift Tern birds and a stock of feed for the birds.
During the voyage to Robben Island, the boxes of birds were moved from the deck into the cabin as they were being drenched by sea spray on the deck.
On arrival at Murray Bay Harbour, the boxes of birds and their feed were loaded into a vehicle, and an NSRI rescuer accompanied the SANCCOB ranger to a designated area on the island where the birds were released into a quarantine pen.
The SANCCOB ranger will remain on the island with the birds to complete their rehabilitation onto the island.
The successful operation was completed with our sea rescue craft returning to our NSRI V&A sea rescue base at 15h05.
Both organisations work with the ocean in mind so to celebrate World Ocean Day; this is how you can help each of them.
Ways you can help SANCCOB.
Washing – The team always needs fresh towels, so if you are in the area, they always welcome a helping hand with a load of washing or two. This is especially true when they have big rescues.
Newspapers – Newspaper is a big aid in keeping the crates and bird boxes clean as well as keeping the seabirds warm. They welcome any donations of clean newspaper. You can find out more here.
Baby Socks – The reason for baby socks? To keep penguin feet warm and toasty! So cute, you can read the full story we did here. And if you donate baby socks, they don’t even need to match.
Volunteer – Volunteers are always welcome but will need to undergo the necessary training to ensure the birds are in the best care. You can reach out here to find out how to get involved.
Financial – You can also support the organisation through various financial means. This includes adopting penguins, purchasing items on their wishlist or just donating funds for them to use as needed. You can find out how to donate here.
Ways you can help NSRI.
Financial – You can support the NSRI in several ways financially. To find out how via the website, here.
Pink Buoys – You can fund the instalment of a Pink Buoy on your local beach. This aids the NSRI in saving the lives of people in distress.
So there you have it, a happy ending on World Ocean Day.
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