Jane Healy, Auckland Zoo
This beautiful toroa (a Salvin’s albatross) found on Te Oneroa-a-Tohe/ Ninety Mile Beach last month has been given a second chance at life!
It was discovered struggling in the surf by a local whānau, who contacted our Department of Conservation colleagues in Kaitaia, who had it flown down to our Zoo vet hospital. On arrival it was weak, underweight and in poor body condition.
As well as performing a full physical examination, our veterinary team began by administering fluids to rehydrate it before commencing tube-feeding - at first with an electrolyte solution, and then with a specialised fish slurry. Blood tests revealed a profoundly elevated white blood cell count - consistent with infection, so this toroa was immediately started on treatment. After stabilisation it was anaesthetised so that x-rays and endoscopic examinations could be performed.
Seabirds like albatross spend most of their lives soaring over open oceans, only coming to land to breed.
Our senior vet Adam says during hospitalisation, their heavy weight makes them susceptible to developing sores on the soles of their feet – known as pododermatitis.
“Preventing damage and soiling of their plumage is also essential, not just for flight but also for their ability to thermoregulate and retain their waterproofing. During rehabilitation, they must therefore be kept on padded, non-abrasive flooring, in a large enough space to allow wing extension, and with access to a clean pool. Albatross do not feed when on land and so additionally require assisted feeding throughout the rehabilitation process,” explains Adam.
In a great outcome, after over two weeks of intensive treatment and care, this juvenile manu (thought to be around six months old) had put on over 1kg, and was bright and active. Repeat blood samples showed resolution of the high white blood cell count and it was able to be given a clean bill of health. To prepare it for release back to the wild, it was fitted with an ID leg band; we all hope that future sightings of this band will confirm its movements and survival following release.
The whānau who found the albatross gave it the name Tamarāwaho - referencing the area of Ninety Mile Beach where he/she was found.
In early October, our vet nurse Mik, vet records assistant Jordan, and DOC marine protection ranger Shelley had the great privilege of releasing Tamarāwaho out into deep waters (near The Noises) in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.
An endemic species, the Salvin’s albatross can be found throughout coastal Aotearoa and across to south-east Australian waters during the breeding season (August-April). It is one of the least studied albatross species and its DOC conservation status remains ‘Nationally Critical’ – with key threats being fishers by-catch and marine pollution.
If you find wildlife- whether it’s a sick albatross, an injured seal or beached turtle, contact the Department of Conservation straight away on the hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). Wild animals need very specific diets and care – and the faster DOC can collect the animal, the faster we can make sure these animals get the best care!
