A Black-footed Albatross recently crashed into a wall of the US Coast Guard station in Fort Bragg, CA and was admitted to International Bird Rescue on September 27, where radiographs revealed a chilling story of cruelty. The bird was found to have an injury that resulted in a blind left eye along with five pellets lodged throughout its body.
What kind of monster would shoot an albatross? – Dr. Rebecca Duerr, Director of Research and Veterinary Science
“What kind of monster would shoot an albatross?” said Bird Rescue’s Veterinarian Dr. Rebecca Duerr, flabbergasted. “Albatrosses are uncommon in California and just getting to see one is a privilege. They are really special long-lived birds, to shoot one is like shooting Bambi or a unicorn, it’s unconscionable.”
Despite these injuries, the albatross is now in stable condition and continues to receive ongoing treatment. A few of the pellets are lodged close to vital organs, making surgical removal too risky for the bird’s safety, while others may be removable. It is likely the bird’s eye was also injured by a pellet, but there were no metal objects found in the head or neck.
Lead shotgun pellets are not allowed in California, but it is possible the bird was shot elsewhere in its range or by someone who disregards more rules than just those against shooting albatrosses. The bird will be tested for lead toxicity just to be sure. Unfortunately, with only one viable eye, the bird is not fit for release. Bird Rescue is actively seeking suitable placement for its long-term care.
Globally, the Black-footed Albatross is listed as near-threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has been identified as a focal species of management concern because of a projected 60% decline of the existing population over the next 56 years, according to Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network. Accidental bycatch in long-line fisheries and illegal drift net activities present a significant threat. Additional dangers include the ingestion of plastic debris and pesticides from scavenged food, oil pollution, introduced predators in nesting areas, and collisions with man-made structures, such as airplanes. Furthermore, nesting habitats are also at risk from loss and degradation caused by invasive plant species.
More than 95% of Black-footed Albatross, also known as Ka’upu, nest in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, with the largest colonies on Midway Atoll and Laysan Island. Outside of Hawai‘i, there are a few small nesting colonies off Japan and western Mexico. It’s heartbreaking to see an albatross now unable to fly free and contribute to future generations, especially when Wisdom, the 73-year-old Laysan Albatross and one of the oldest known wild birds, continues to inspire millions by returning to Midway Atoll each year to possibly raise another chick.
As birds navigate the challenges of a changing world and the thoughtless cruelty of humans, Bird Rescue is dedicated to giving them a second chance at life. Your donations are crucial in supporting these efforts. Click here to support the albatross and other waterbirds in care.