Two puffins that were rescued by the Scottish SPCA after washing up in Fife have been released near the Isle of May – just in time for World Puffin Day on April 14.
Danny, who was discovered in Anstruther on January 28, and Arnie, who was found in St Andrews just a week later on February 7, were both rescued following a spell of bad weather – with several puffins found dead or in poor condition along the coast.
Both were emaciated on arrival at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Alloa, but Arnie had not lost his appetite and was self-feeding immediately.
Danny on the other hand had no appetite and he had blood taken which confirmed an infection – which he received treatment for. Once he was feeling better, his appetite returned.
Routinely washed by the team to assess their waterproofing
When being cared for, it is common for seabirds to lose their waterproofing due to a lack of natural preening and contamination as a result of necessary handling by centre staff. Both Danny and Arnie were routinely washed by the team and swam to assess their waterproofing.
Once they were both fully waterproof, the centre contacted an Isle of May boat tour company and it was agreed that the pair could be taken halfway over to the island and released on the water on March 20. They were not taken directly to the island to avoid predation risk. The dynamic duo were dropped from the boat on to the water and they swam away.
Happy, healthy and thriving in the wild once more
Caroline Storey, a Senior Wildlife Assistant at the centre who was part of the puffins’ rehabilitation and release, said: “I am beyond delighted that both Danny and Arnie are happy, healthy and thriving in the wild once more.
“A lot of time and commitment went into their care to ensure that they were well-prepared before being released. The Scottish SPCA’s call for a National Animal Offenders Register is one of the four main asks of its recently published manifesto. Delivering on these will help ensure Scotland is at the forefront of animal welfare and is crucial to prevent future harm and tackle repeat offending. In turn, this is essential to help achieve our mission to make Scotland the best place for an animal to call home. Read our full Manifesto and sign our petition to show your support.
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