Katherine, Dr. Lisa & Kerry with Katrina (still groggy)
After a 2½ hour operation and two days to recover from the surgery Katrina is now on the mend! Katrina’s surgery went extremely well despite a few hiccups that are to be expected with any deep diving animal under anesthetic. AMWRRO vet Dr. Lisa performed yet another fantastic surgery and managed to debride all necrotic and infected tissues away from the abdominal muscles and remove the entire effected area before closing Katrina up with several internal and external stiches. The wound is much larger than first thought and many feathers surrounding the wound needed removing altogether; these will grow back over the next 4-6 weeks and in that time AMWRRO expects to have her release application submitted to the department for approval (pending all goes well). If Katrina’s feathers do not cover the entire area and she is deemed “not waterproof” then AMWRRO will need to reconsider her release. Flippers crossed Katrina can again prove her ability to defy the odds and bounce back once again!
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!
