Durban — An endangered seabird species is under the watchful eye of uShaka Sea World specialists after it was admitted with a triple fishing hook lodged in its oesophagus.
The Cape gannet (Morus capensis) was admitted into the care of the Animal Health Team at uShaka Sea World on Sunday afternoon.
SA Association Marine Biological Research (Saambr) spokesperson Ann Kunz said that before admission, the gannet had been seen by a veterinarian at the Arboretum Veterinary Clinic in Richards Bay, Dr Otto who confirmed, through x-rays, that a triple fishing hook had lodged in the bird’s oesophagus.
Kunz said that since uShaka Sea World veterinarian, Dr Francois Lampen has experience in removing ingested fishing hooks from seabirds, the decision was made to drive the gannet from Richards Bay to Durban. Dr Otto and his wife Miriam kindly rearranged their Sunday plans and made the 160km trip to Durban with the precious bird which they named Malletjie.
“On arrival, Dr Lampen administered antibiotics to avoid possible infection, fluid support and pain medication before leaving it overnight to rest under a heat lamp,” Kunz said.
On Monday morning, the bird appeared alert and strong enough to undergo anaesthetic.
Kunz explained that although the surgery was more challenging than expected, after some effort, Dr Lampen managed to remove the 3cm triple hook. Unfortunately, the fishhook was located very close to some major blood vessels with an associated high risk of vascular trauma.
Dr Lampen said: “Luckily I managed to avoid any lacerations to these vessels, and the gannet woke up from surgery soon after I finished the operation. We will continue to monitor him closely for the next couple of days and will continue with antibiotics and pain medication. Time will tell if he makes it through the next 24 hours.”
He said if the bird survives, they will start with oral supportive fluids, and maybe later some gruel.
Kunz added: “We hope to release him as soon as possible as he has learnt all too well that getting close to people is not always a good thing.”
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