03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Stunned kingfisher back in the wild after RSPCA help

A KINGFISHER has been returned to the wild by the RSPCA – in a “great example of collaboration” between the national RSPCA, a local branch and the animal-loving public.

A member of the public sounded the alarm about the kingfisher, by notifying the RSPCA’s Adoption Centre at Newport Pets at Home – having spotted the bird in a collapsed and stunned state yesterday (August 23) just outside the store.

It is thought the kingfisher had flown into the window of the store.

The manager of the RSPCA’s local Wyth Sir Branch, was, coincidentally, at the Centre for a meeting at the time – and went to see the bird, before transporting him to the Branch’s nearby Newport offices, where an RSPCA inspector soon came to collect him.

Fortunately, despite his ordeal, the kingfisher was unharmed and was returned to the wild by RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels later that day.

Heartwarming video footage shows the moment the kingfisher was safely released at a nearby river, near to the city’s iconic Transporter Bridge.

Stunned birds can often recover quickly from collisions – and inspector Daniels said she’s “thrilled” that it was a happy ending for the kingfisher.

Inspector Sophie said: “Birds – like this kingfisher – can often get stunned by flying into windows or walls; and often will recover quickly if left to their own devices.

“Fortunately, it was a happy ending for this unharmed kingfisher and I was thrilled to be able to return him to where he belongs – the wild.”

The RSPCA’s new Animal Kindness Index found that 75% of people have taken action to help animals during the previous year – and the member of the public who found the bird has been thanked for their act of kindness.

Sophie added: “We’re grateful to the member of the public who spotted the troubled bird and raised the alarm, and to the local Branch for safely transporting the bird and notifying us. The Animal Kindness Index reminds us how many people go out of their way to help animals – and this was another timely reminder.

“It’s another good example of what we can achieve together for animal welfare – and absolutely great to see the happy kingfisher fly off at a nearby river.”

More information on what the public can do if they see an injured wild animal can be found on the RSPCA’s website.

Darren Oakley, from the local RSPCA Wyth Sir Branch, who is also a former RSPCA inspector, said: “A kindhearted member of the public came into the RSPCA Adoption Centre at Pets at Home to let us know about this poor kingfisher, while I happened to be there having a meeting.

“I observed the kingfisher in situ, and safely moved him to our Branch offices on the Usk Side Business Park before notifying the national inspectorate.

“We’re really pleased he’s back in the wild – this was a great example of collaboration between the national RSPCA, our local Branch and the public.”

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