Unfortunately in recent days the local Thailand Government – Department for National Parks (DNP) had recently been found to have several extremely corrupt and money hungry personnel working high up within the DNP who had been caught poaching and killing wild elephant. Within days of this tragic news and with evidence in hand, WFFT Director Edwin exposed the people responsible and the DNP to the general public of Thailand.

As a consequence of this being exposed to the general public; over the past 10 days several Thailand Government – DNP Officers have continuously raided the WFFT for what they say are “animals kept without permits” and in doing so have confiscated many rescued animals from their safe quarters and viciously mistreated them whilst doing so.

The DNP demanded that WFFT staff produce all permits and paperwork for every animal the centre was caring for in only two hours – if the paperwork was not produced then and there – the animals were brutally mistreated and taken from the WFFT centre only to remain in cages no larger the twice the size of the animals within - appalling treatment and handling skills by a department that is meant to help these animals!

The WFFT produced all the necessary paperwork that was asked of them for each animal yet the Thailand Government – DNP is still holding these animals hostage in an attempt to silence Edwin and the WFFT; all for exposing the corruption and illegal killing of an endangered species that they themselves are responsible for.

Assistance by way of a strongly worded letter of objection against this type of behaviour and corruption should be forwarded to the Thailand Embassy in your capital and cc’ed to the DNP director and division for wild fauna (addresses below)

These animals should not need to be rescued a second time – let alone from a government department that has clearly demonstrated incompetence, corruption and shear disrespect for conservation and the great work of Non Government Organisations like WFFT and furthermore, especially considering this is the department that is legally responsible for the wellbeing of these animals in the first place.

Thai Embassy in Canberra, Australia thaican@mfa.go.th

Thai Embassy in Sydney, Australia thaisydney@thaiconsulatesydney.org

Thailand DNP Director dg@dnp.go.th

Thailand DNP Division of Wild Fauna and Flora Protection dwffp@dnp.go.th

On arrival the bird did not have line coming out of its mouth but after a full assessment which included radiographs; it was soon discovered that surgery was the only option for this youngster in order to survive.

Dr. Lisa Treatch C/- The Adelaide University – Roseworthy Veterinary Department agreed the animal required surgery in order to survive and kindly performed the surgery yesterday (26^th January).  As tricky as surgeries are, bird surgeries (in particular deep diving birds such as cormorants) are extremely tricky as these animals can often die whilst under anaesthetic due to their dive response and their ability to hold their breath for long periods of time.

Fortunately for Billy Bunter the surgery was a great success and now this young bird is on the road to recovery. The surgery lasted 42 minutes and was assisted by AMWRRO volunteer Sarah whilst the entire operation was performed under the watchful eye of President Aaron Machado.

Billy Bunter is expected to remain in intensive care for the next 96 hours before being allowed to swim and stay out doors in the confined cages which overlook the main wetland facility – flippers crossed he will be flying and diving again within a few weeks and released shortly thereafter.

Special thanks to Malcolm and Danielle for rescuing this young bird, to Dr. Lisa Treatch for performing such a fantastice surgery and Sarah for her assistance on the day – what a great team and congratulations to you all for a great job well done (once again!!!)

Initial reports of 14 dead seal pups on Sunday soon grew into a staggering 51 pups, 1 sub adult and 1 adult New Zealand fur seal on a single beach.

Monday the 16^th January 2012, the number had grown yet again to 60 in total for the region with Coffin Bay beaches now also confirmed to be littered with the tiny bodies.

Tuesday the 17^th January 2012, the number grew again to 62, one of which is considered new born due to its size (approximately 40cm in length)

AMWRRO members departed Adelaide at 3am on Monday the 16^th and arrived in Port Lincoln at 09:30 and met with John (the Port Lincoln local who discovered the pups late Sunday afternoon and who notified AMWRRO), directions were given and AMWRRO arrived shortly thereafter.

Once on site, National Parks rangers coincidentally were conducting a bird survey on the same beach and offered to assist if needed.  In total 62 New Zealand fur seals were found (59 pups, 1 new born, 1 sub adult and 1 adult).  The state of decomposition was extreme hence only a few could be collected for post mortem examination.

The AMWRRO crew left Port Lincoln at 3pm and arrived back in Adelaide at 11:55pm.

The 17^th January 2012, Dr. Lucy Woolford (a member of the AMWRRO Scientific Board) and a Lecturer at The University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Campus (Veterinary Diagnostic Department) who assisted with collecting data on site – conducted the post mortem examinations and sent a series of tissue samples off for testing. Unfortunately due to the state of decomposition; the probability of finding a definitive cause of death is slim but we will do our best and bring any information forward to the corresponding authorities.

These pups were approximately 4-8 weeks of age and most probably from the nearby breeding colonies of Neptune and or Liguanea Islands. AMWRRO suspects there are at least double or triple that number dead but unaccounted for due to the geographical limitations of searching the nearby beaches without the help from National Parks.

AMWRRO is appealing to the general public to contact AMWRRO immediately on 08 8262 5452 whenever a sick or injured marine animal is found.

AMWRRO is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to the care and conservation of our marine wildlife and environment and gratefully receives support and much needed funds through donations and memberships so that we can continue conducting out important work within the community; for more information or to donate please click here.

Today (15th Jan 2012)  AMWRRO received information and photographs concerning 14 dead juvenile seals and 1 other still alive found amongst the dead on a small stretch of beach on the west coast of South Australia.  A team of AMWRRO volunteers and members of the AMWRRO Scientific Board are leaving AMWRRO at 3am tomorrow to investigate and collect these animals for further post mortem examinations and to attempt to save the last seal pup (photo below).

A man and his son where heading to the popular fishing beach when they made the grim discovery and only managed to check approximately 500m of the beach; there are several small coves and other beaches close by that could reveal more dead animals.

Considering the geographical location of these animals; this could well be linked to “fishing bycatch” and or be associated to malicious activities e.g. shot, stabbed and or poisoned. More information will be provided in due time and flippers crossed we are able to save the poor soul awaiting help in and amongst the dead.

Summer is definitely here and AMWRRO is receiving many calls from concerned people who are watching vessel operators approach too close to marine mammals (dolphins, seals and whales).

All vessel operators should know the following rules when out on the water and are either approaching or being approached by a marine mammal. These rules are just as much for your safety then that of the animal as some whales can weigh up to 30 tons and can cause serious injuries to you and your family or friends if upset or harassed (especially when young are near).

Seals

On land = a no approach zone of 30 metres

In water = 150 metre caution zone (4 knot maximum speed limit) with 50 metre no approach zone

Dolphins

150 metre caution zone (4 knot maximum speed limit) with 50 metre no approach zone

Whales

300 metre caution zone (4 knot maximum speed limit) with 150 metre no approach zone

 ”Injuries from being struck by boat propellers are encountered in both human and animal populations^1,2, the latter occurring more frequently as increasing numbers of boats either inadvertently or deliberately encroach upon sea mammal territory and/or intentionally approach too closely to marine mammals to facilitate observation. On occasion, forensic pathologists may be requested to examine traumatic lesions in marine mammals to help authorities determine whether human activity was involved, whether the injuries were sustained before or after death, and whether the injuries either caused or played a significant role in the animal’s death³. Three cases of marine animal deaths involving propeller blade strikes are reported to demonstrate characteristic features of such cases and diagnostic difficulties that may occur.”

Taken from: Byard RW, Winskog C, Machado A, Boardman W. The assessment of lethal propeller strike injuries in sea mammals. J Forensic Legal Med (In press).

Watch the full ABC News clipping for more information:  http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-02/forensic-procedures-uncover-marine-mysteries/3710378

This years Project Dolphin Safe event was a roaring success raising over $55,000. Pure Envy diamonds were won, balloons were popped, what an afternoon to remember with the fabulous 3 course meal and 4 hour drinks package.

The day included a fashion parade by Tanya Powell, live body painting by Emma Hack, bookie Hollywood Syd and live/silent auctions.

Special thanks to all our 2010 Day at the Races Sponsors.