Oiled birds could soon be released following rehabilitation

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The SA Foundation For The Conservation of Coastal Birds says depending on the weather they're hoping to release of over 200 oiled birds being treated at the rehabilitation centre in St Francis Bay in the coming days.

SANCOB conservation director, Vanessa Strauss, says the majority of the birds, which include penguins and cape gannets, have been washed and are looking strong.

The birds were soiled with oil from the sunken vessel Kiani Satu over the past week or so.

"The birds are looking nice and strong and they're currently all getting hydration fluid and being fed. The birds that have been washed are all swimming and we are hoping for a release within the next couple of days depending on the weather," Strauss said.

She added that several birds had also been admitted from Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Beaches were spots of oil were also observed over the past weekend.