A evening walk for a couple enjoying the early signs of spring, resulted in – what turned out to be – a rather dramatic rescue for the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Team (WRAS). The couple saw a white object in the water, which transpired to be a gull unable to move from its […]
A evening walk for a couple enjoying the early signs of spring, resulted in – what turned out to be – a rather dramatic rescue for the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Team (WRAS).
The couple saw a white object in the water, which transpired to be a gull unable to move from its location. WRAS dispatched one of their ambulance crews, which included rescue coordinators and one of our veterinary team.
As one of the first on the scene, WRAS rescuer Greg said: “At first, in the darkness, we feared the bird may already have passed away. But then it suddenly moved. It was clearly weak and struggling, and we knew it couldn’t be left until morning.”
Due to the complexity of the rescue, the WRAS team called in for additional support, with the second team attending being trained in water-rescues. With the help of their dry-suits, buoyancy aids and a safety line, the team were able to wade, and swim, out to the location of the gull, to find that they were heavily entwined in fishing wire, further entangled in low hanging branches.
The team managed to cut the gull free and recover them back to the pond edge, where the vet was able to assess the gull. Thankfully, despite being hypothermic and weak, they were in a relatively good condition and taken back to the casualty centre for treatment.
A calm night of medication and a warming pad later, and the gull was showing signs of improvement – standing independently and eating well. The individual still remains in WRAS’s care, however the team are optimistic for a release in the near future.
WRAS are seeing an increase in the number of casualties coming in from water rescues, victims of being entrapped in fishing line and tackle. They are reminding the public to please dispose of any fishing materials responsibly. Irresponsible discard can result in serious injury to a wide range of water foul, potentially leading to exhaustion and drowning.
If you find a trapped or injured animal in East Sussex or want to find out more, please visit our website at: www.wildlifeambulance.org/
