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!
