Today Gillette the Razorbill who was rescued and cared for in Alderney had his first swim after week of rehabilitation at the GSPCA Animal Shelter.
Alderney Animal Welfare cared and washed him before arranging a flight to bring him over last week.
Yvonne Chauvel who cares for the birds in the oiled bird section said 'Gillette is doing really well but he has a good month before he can swim properly and be ready for release.'
'We're thinking he'll be fit enough by the middle of next month which would be great as we could release him at the same time as our two seal pups Jethou Bumblebee and Hanois.'
'If anyone sees any birds struggling or covered in oil we do ask you to please contact us here at the GSPCA on 01481 257261.'
'It's still early days but I am keeping my fingers crossed and we are hopeful he will pull through.'
If you find you kind a bird affected then here is a little advice -
Do not risk your safety by looking for or picking up birds from dangerous locations. Be aware of the tides and weather conditions.
If you do find an oiled bird and it is safe to pick it up, ensure that you are wearing gloves because the oil could be hazardous to your health. The birds may also try to peck you, so keep them away from your face.
Collected birds should be placed on their own in cardboard boxes with newspaper or a towel. DO NOT use hay or straw. The boxes should have ventilation holes.
Please do not attempt to wash or feed the bird yourself - leave that to the Shelter staff and volunteers who have the correct training and facilities.
The Razorbill (Alca torda) is a medium-sized seabird. It is black above and white below and has a thick black beak which is deep and blunt, unlike the thinner bill of the similar guillemot. They breed around the coast of the UK, with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. There are none breeding between the Humber and the Isle of Wight. Birds only come to shore to breed, and winter in the northern Atlantic. Concerns of the marine environment include fishing nets, pollution such as oil and declining fish stocks all threaten the Razorbill.
Here are a few of the ways you could help support the GSPCA in 2013 -
Membership - For only £10 a year you can become a member of the GSPCA which entitles you to our quarterly newsletter and being part of the oldest animal welfare organisation in Guernsey – please click here for more details
Coffee Morning and Bric-a-brac sale - Support our GSPCA Purple Week Coffee Morning and Bric-a-brac sale. These are until Friday 15th February at the Shelter between 10am and 12pm but also happen every Tuesday during term time – please click here for more
Pet Supplies on sale at the Shelter - We have a range of feed, treats, toys, leads and we welcome requests if you would like to purchase your pet supplies from the GSPCA
Sponsor an animal – Become an ANGEL and sponsor a dog, cat, hedgehog, rabbit, ferret or even the wildlife unit. Over 2000 animals are rescued, rehabilitated, reunited, released and rehomed every year and need your support – please click here for more details
Counter or collection box – we have a selection of collection boxes and counter boxes with goods from GSPCA Pens to Pin Badges. If your business, office, pub or school could house one we would love to hear from you – please click here for more details
Did you make a donation last year? – If you donated to charity in the previous year of between £500 and £5000 in Guernsey then it is worth looking to see if 20% tax relief can be claimed – please click here for more details
Big Fish Appeal – Our two seal pups Jethou Bumblebee and Hanois are doing well but eating more fish now than ever. We need donations towards this appeal and of fish to help our seals so they are fat enough to release hopefully next month – please click here for more details
Become a volunteer – We are always looking for volunteers to help on reception to animal care, night wardens to fund raisers. Whether an hour a year or five days a week we really appreciate your support – please click here for more details
Family Fun Lunch – On the 3rd of March we have our Sunday Family Fun Lunch at Les Rocquettes Hotel and for only £19 per person you could join us – please click here for more details
GSPCA Education Talk – If your group, school or business would like a talk from a GSPCA member of staff on a particular subject or the work we do please get in touch – please click here for more details
Think of us in your Will – By thinking of us in your Will you can leave a lasting memory that will ensure that animals are cared for in Guernsey for years to come – please click here for more details
Kilimanjaro Climb – Please support Clinton who is raising funds for the GSPCA by climbing Kilimanjaro – please click here for more details
Mufti Days – Maybe your school, work place or local pub could have a dress down or why not even dress up day to help raise funds for the Shelter. Why not encourage everyone to dress in GSPCA purple for the day? – if you need any support please email [email protected]
Fancy your own extreme adventure – There are many ways you can raise funds for the GSPCA. Have you ever fancied cycling along the Great Wall of China or a trek through the Amazon – please click here for more details
Cupcake Week – This years GSPCA Cupcake Week takes place between the 25th and 31st March. This is the second annual event after last years success we are hoping for everyone to make, bake and shake to raise funds to help animals in Guernsey – please click here for more details
Cattery & Quarantine Build Appeal – We have been at our current site since 1929 and we need to rebuild our Cattery and Quarantine Buildings – please click here for more details
World Stray Day – On the 4th April it is World Stray Day and the GSPCA will be holding a Coffee Morning, Bric-a-brac sale and microchipping event. Of the hundreds of stray animals in Guernsey that the GSPCA receive every year only 40% of them are microchipped. Currently the GSPCA microchip cats and dogs for only £4.99 – more details to follow
Hold your own sponsored event – you can easily download a form to hold your very own sponsored event for the GSPCA and if you need any support please email [email protected] – please click here for a form
Itex-Rotary Walk – We are pleased to announce that the GSPCA are one of the nominated charities for this years walk and we would love you to join us – please click here for more details
Dog training – Does your dog not do as they are told? Why not join Lorna and the team who run regular training courses at the Shelter – please click here for more details
Support our social media – We are on many social media sites, why no follow us and share our messages and status updates – please click here for more details
Our Wish List – Many of the equipment and facilities we need at the Shelter are on our Wish List page, including some which are currently being supported – please click here for more details
Summer Fayre & Dog Show – We are planning a Summer Fayre ad Dog Show this summer with the likely date to be in June – more details to follow
Corporate & Group Days – We are always looking for support and help from businesses. Maybe as an individual or as a group if your work place is looking to support a charity we’d love to hear from you – please click here for more details
Summer Fayres, Fetes & Shows – once again we will be at many of the summer events and we both need your help and support. If you can spare a few hours to help at any event or can help with getting a space please email [email protected]
Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday – After the success of last years event the GSPCA are pleased to announce the second Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday in St Peter Port on the 15th September 2013 – please click here for more details
Easyfundraising – When shopping online you can easily raise funds for the GSPCA by signing up with Easyfundraising. Thousands of companies are involved from John Lewis to Amazon, Ebay to flower companies and at no extra cost some of the price you pay for your items can help animals in Guernsey. We’ve already raised over £300 in the last year – please click here for more details
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager 'Not only do we have loved one's that we care for but for many animals are also in our hearts.'
'Valentines Day is always a big year for the GSPCA as we were founded this year 140 years ago.'
'We have a wealth of history and much of it can be seen on our website but we need to ensure that we can carry on for many years to come and we have many occasions in 2013 to help celebrate.'
Yvonne Chauvel Senior Animal Care Assistant and longest serving staff member with over 16 years experience said 'I still love working for the GSPCA as much now as when I first started.'
'We help make a difference and we appreciate everyone's support.'
'I have seen many changes over the years and helped thousands of animals but we have lots of plans for the future and with the continued support we see everyday then there is no reason why we won't be here in another 140 years.'
These are just a few of the ways you can support the GSPCA in 2013. But if you have any ideas please do get in touch.
Without your help we wouldn’t be here and we thank each and everyone of you for your continued support.
If you would like to donate to the GSPCA and help us care for animals in Guernsey by you can do so by calling into the Shelter, over the phone on 01481 257261 or by clicking the Paypal button below.
Another way you can help is by nominating someone or maybe the GSPCA in one of the following awards -
To nominate an amazing animal, a special person (in secret!) who has dedicated time to them or any inspirational animal story for the The British Animal Honours 2013, then please go to http://www.itv.com/beontv/british-animal-honours/
Felix in the video below is our longest stay cat and really needs your help to find a new home.
Post new comment