RSPCA delivers first class care for Post Office Puffin
The RSPCA received a very special delivery when a young puffin was found on a pavement outside a Post Office.
The forlorn looking bird was spotted by a man in Strood, Kent, and taken to a vet before being transferred to an RSPCA wildlife centre.
PuffinThe puffin, nicknamed Pat after the world’s favourite postman, has been nursed back to health and is set to be released back into the wild tomorrow (WEDS).
Bel Deering, manager of RSPCA Mallydams Woods, near Hastings, East Sussex, said: “It was found on the pavement outside a post office, an unusual habitat for a puffin.
“As puffins are normally found further north than Medway, Pat is an exceptional admission for us and has raised a lot of interest among staff and volunteers.”
Pat was given a full veterinary check-up, including an x-ray, but no injuries were found. Staff at Mallydams gave the puffin first class care including a diet of fresh sand eels and sprats and dips in its own private pool.
Puffin 2Bel added: “It looked rather weak and wobbly when it came in but has really perked up. It is now out on a shallow pool so that we can check its buoyancy and make sure it’s waterproof and it seems very happy.
“It’s a bit of a mystery how it ended up in sickly and stranded in Strood but it appears to be much better now.
“We are delighted to be able to release it back into the wild.”
Pat is due to be released on a beach close to Mallydams tomorrow (WEDS) on the high tide at lunchtime.
We can only help birds like Pat with your help. Give £3 now, text HERO to 60155. Text cost £3 + one standard network rate message.
Ends
Note for editors: Photographs of Pat the puffin are available from the national press office.
If you want to send a photographer or film crew to the release please contact the press office.
The release is subject to change at very short notice depending on weather and tidal conditions.
The sex of the bird is not known.
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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