This Australian wildlife carer saved a lost, starving Tawaki penguin miles from home | ABC Australia

Summary

This heartwarming video follows the recovery journey of two rare Tawaki penguins at Mosswood Wildlife Rescue, after being found weak, dehydrated, and malnourished in Australia. Under the care of Tracy Wilson, the penguins receive specialized treatment, including hydration, feeding, and therapy to regain strength. One penguin is successfully rehabilitated and set for release, while the other continues to struggle. The video highlights the challenges of caring for endangered species and the emotional process of releasing them back into the wild. Despite the uncertainty of their survival, these penguins are given the best chance at life.

Takeaways

• 😀 A tawaki penguin from New Zealand was rescued and cared for in Victoria, Australia, after being washed up dehydrated, starving, and weak.
• 😀 The penguin was nursed back to health by wildlife carer Tracy Wilson, who provided weeks of tender care and attention.
• 😀 Tawaki penguins are native to New Zealand, and one of their breeding sites is Milford Sound, where conservation efforts are key to their survival.
• 😀 The penguins were suffering due to a hard winter and a change in fish patterns, which made it difficult for them to find food.
• 😀 Tracy Wilson had to tube-feed the penguins with fluids when they first arrived at the rescue center due to severe dehydration.
• 😀 The penguins gradually began eating solid fish, signaling progress in their rehabilitation and return to health.
• 😀 The arrival of multiple tawaki penguins washed ashore in various parts of Australia raised concerns about the impact of environmental changes on their food sources.
• 😀 Tracy Wilson explained that releasing the penguins back into the wild was a stressful and emotional process, as it was uncertain whether they would survive once released.
• 😀 The penguin that was ready for release had shown behavior indicating that it was eager to return to the wild and live independently.
• 😀 The tawaki penguin is a rare species, with an estimated population of fewer than 7,000 individuals, making conservation efforts particularly important.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Tawaki penguins being in the care of Tracy Wilson?

Tracy Wilson, a dedicated wildlife carer, plays a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating Tawaki penguins. These penguins are rare and endangered, and Tracy’s care is vital in providing them with the necessary support to recover from dehydration, weakness, and malnutrition before they are ready to return to the wild.

Why do Tawaki penguins wash up on shores in places like Victoria and South Australia?

Researchers believe that the Tawaki penguins washing up on shores is a result of a hard winter and changes in fish availability. A shift in water patterns has caused the fish to move to areas where the penguins are unable to find them, leading to the penguins becoming weak and washing up.

What steps are involved in rehabilitating a Tawaki penguin?

The rehabilitation process involves feeding the penguins fluids initially, often through tube feeding due to their dehydration. As they regain strength, they are transitioned to eating solid food like fish. Tracy Wilson also uses physical therapy, such as floating the penguins in small pools to simulate natural behaviors and help them regain mobility.

What makes the Tawaki penguin an important species to protect?

The Tawaki penguin is a rare and unique species with a population of fewer than 7,000 individuals. Their conservation is crucial because their numbers are rapidly declining due to changing oceanic conditions, climate change, and limited breeding sites. Protecting them ensures the survival of a species that plays a significant role in the ecosystem.

How does Tracy Wilson feel on the release day of the penguins?

Tracy Wilson experiences a mix of stress and hope on the release day. She is concerned about the weather, the presence of potential dangers like dogs or people, and the penguin’s ability to survive once returned to the wild. Despite the challenges, she finds it rewarding to know that the penguins have been given the best chance to survive.

Why is the process of releasing penguins so stressful for wildlife carers like Tracy Wilson?

Releasing penguins is stressful because wildlife carers are unsure if their efforts will result in the penguin's successful survival in the wild. Tracy's anxiety is compounded by factors such as the penguin's health, the weather, and potential threats on the beach, which all play a critical role in the bird's ability to survive after release.

What role does physical therapy play in the rehabilitation of the penguins?

Physical therapy, such as floating the penguins in pools, is crucial for helping them regain strength and mobility. This therapy simulates natural behaviors that are essential for the penguins’ survival in the wild, such as preening and moving through water, which are vital for maintaining healthy feathers and muscle tone.

How does Tracy Wilson react to the penguins' return to their natural habitat?

Tracy Wilson feels a sense of bittersweet emotion when the penguins are released. While she is hopeful for their survival, she knows that her efforts have to end once they return to the wild. She remains deeply invested in their well-being, though she never finds out if they successfully make it back home.

What challenges did the Tawaki penguins face upon arrival at Mosswood Wildlife Rescue?

Upon arrival, the Tawaki penguins were weak, hungry, dehydrated, and barely able to move. One penguin was particularly fragile, unable to stand on its own, making their recovery a challenging and delicate process that required constant care and attention to their physical needs.

What is the significance of Tracy Wilson not putting a bottle of champagne in the fridge before the release?

Tracy Wilson's superstition about not putting a bottle of champagne in the fridge reflects the emotional weight she carries during the penguin release process. She feels that celebrating prematurely could bring bad luck, and she prefers to focus on ensuring everything goes perfectly for the penguin's safe return to the wild.