9 February, 2017

Buster busted up again!

The Yellow-eyed penguin hospital at Otago Polytechnic’s School of Veterinary Nursing is full with healing hoiho, one is even back for a second visit with Wildlife Vet Lisa Argilla!

Dr Argilla recognised the unlucky penguin while checking huge gashes across his abdomen and right foot. She last treated him in 2015 when he was flown to her at Wellington Zoo for treatment. At that time, she had to amputate his right toe. She nicknamed the bird “Buster”, and hoped that was the last she’d see of him. But he was recently found injured at Papanui Beach on Otago Peninsula.

“I am pleased to report that the amputated toe is looking terrific and he’s coping well. He also has chicks so is able to reproduce. This is the best result as it was, of course, risky removing the toe but it seems the risk was worth it. It’s unfortunate he’s now been attacked by something else – I suspect a blue shark based on his injuries.”

Sadly, the snares crested penguin, that has been at the hospital since day one, died yesterday. He had a large injury to his abdomen, and unfortunately died when coming out of anaesthesia.

“This is a very sad outcome as after today’s surgery, the wound looked perfect and I was confident he would have been able to survive once he moulted and re-grew his feathers” Dr Argilla said.

There are currently six yellow-eyed penguins at the hospital. Their injuries range from fractured bones to bite wounds and lacerations.

Once Dr Argilla has treated them and the birds are stable, they are taken to Penguin Place on Otago Peninsula for rehabilitation before being released to where they were found.

Dr Argilla is running a wildlife hospital at the Otago Polytechnic School of Veterinary Nursing for the summer. She has found that by being close to the injured birds they have a better chance of survival. Previously, they were flown to Wellington or Palmerston North for vet care.

Dr Argilla’s time in the south has been funded by the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust.

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