AMWRRO has won the battle to keep Katrina exactly where she is thanks to the Department for Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Animal Welfare “Director” who worked closely with AMWRRO to overrule the initial decision to have Katrina transported to an interstate zoo.
AMWRRO is permitted to rescue, rehabilitate and release all seabirds in South Australia (this includes migratory animals) hence the initial arrangements made to have her moved immediately and provided to a zoo (all of which was done behind AMWRRO’s back) was not that persons call to make in the first place!
AMWRRO has since contacted the zoo in question and explained that AMWRRO did not appreciate the way in which this matter was handled and explained that next time we have in care an animal of interest; to please contact AMWRRO first to discuss the case before making such demands!
AMWRRO has lodged the necessary paperwork with the DENR Fauna Permit Unit and of which has since been approved thanks to the DENR Animal Welfare Director and DENR Fauna Permit Unit.
To add to this great news – Katrina is doing very well and today had her first supervised swim which she enjoyed immensely before being housed in the clinic for an afternoon of preening and sleeping. To watch her first swim click here
AMWRRO has maintained contact with New Zealand authorities and is hoping to hear back from them by Friday!
Thank you all for your support and keep those flippers crossed we can return this animal to her natural habitat!
The fate of Katrina now hangs in mid-air thanks to the Department for Environment and Natural Resources – Animal Welfare Manager who requested she be transferred to a zoo immediately.
AMWRRO received a call from DENR demanding her immediate release and transport interstate so she can be kept as a permanent exhibit animal.
AMWRRO is currently working with the Department of Conservation (DOC) in New Zealand to determine if Katrina is eligible to be imported into
NZ and returned to her natural habitat; having said that, this will be stopped if DENR and the zoo have it their way!
AMWRRO is dedicated to providing marine wildlife (that are eligible for re-release) with a second chance at a free life – this of course takes into consideration the animals physical condition, injuries, diseases, habitat and ability to survive in the wild. If any animal is ineligible for release due to the above; then and only then will AMWRRO consider that animal an ambassador for their species and will then actively search for an appropriate home elsewhere.
AMWRRO has contacted Minister Caica’s office (Minister for the Department for Environment and Natural Resources) several times today to explain her current situation and to further explain that travelling Katrina now would cause sever stress and could ultimately kill her as a consequence. AMWRRO is yet to receive any return correspondence from Minister Caica’s office with regards to this matter.
On a much brighter note, Katrina has for the first time today eaten fish on her own and has gained 120gms since arriving in Adelaide – she still has several issues to overcome and a possible surgery in the near future concerning her open wound but is looking better and better as each day passes.
Flippers crossed she maintains a speedy recovery and the New Zealand authorities are happy for her to return!
Watch this space ladies and gentlemen!
She was found late yesterday afternoon by a DENR officer on the beach; hypothermic, extremely emaciated and exhausted.
This young bird was taken to Katrina C/o Friends of Native Wildlife – South East (hence she has been named after her) and who contacted AMWRRO immediately with the exciting news of anunusual looking penguin in her care.
Within the hour AMWRRO had arranged to have this bird flown to Adelaide via the Mt. Gambier airport and with special thanks to Katrina who acted with extreme care and efficiency in getting this bird to the airport in time; the bird was delivered to Australian Air Express personnel with strict instructions by Katrina who explained the importance of this animal and to handle her with extreme care.
AMWRRO received the bird late last night and is currently stabilizing her at the AMWRRO clinic – Torrens Island. Katrina has an open wound to her lower abdominal cavity and is extremely underweight but is otherwise in reasonable condition. Flippers crossed we can save this extremely rare and beautiful animal!
