My purpose in coming to South Africa was to broaden my repertoire by working a wider diversity of animals than what we have in Puerto Rico. Never in my wildest dreams thought that I would have had the opportunity to work with penguins and learn about rehabilitating seabirds. I helped to rehabilitate seabirds ranging in size from small gulls to massive pelicans. I’ve also had the opportunity to observe species I wouldn’t ordinarily be able to see without a trip to Antarctica, such as the Skua. As well as rehabilitation work I’ve learned about common diseases and problems in seabirds, and have a general idea of what course of treatment might be recommended. I’ve also taken part in a number of releases. This is what makes the whole rehabilitation process worthwhile, the long hours, the bite marks and sadly the heartbreak when one of them doesn’t make it. There is nothing so rewarding as watching an endangered species who we all pour so much love, time and effort into, taking their very first dip in the ocean, or being restored to health to get back to where they’re supposed to
My purpose in coming to South Africa was to broaden my repertoire by working a wider diversity of animals than what we have in Puerto Rico. Never in my wildest dreams thought that I would have had the opportunity to work with penguins and learn about rehabilitating seabirds. I helped to rehabilitate seabirds ranging in size from small gulls to massive pelicans. I’ve also had the opportunity to observe species I wouldn’t ordinarily be able to see without a trip to Antarctica, such as the Skua. As well as rehabilitation work I’ve learned about common diseases and problems in seabirds, and have a general idea of what course of treatment might be recommended. I’ve also taken part in a number of releases. This is what makes the whole rehabilitation process worthwhile, the long hours, the bite marks and sadly the heartbreak when one of them doesn’t make it. There is nothing so rewarding as watching an endangered species who we all pour so much love, time and effort into, taking their very first dip in the ocean, or being restored to health to get back to where they’re supposed to