Fairy penguin washed up at Bar Beach

RECOVERING: Native Animal Trust carer Trudy Fennell with Daryl, the fairy penguin found washed up on Bar Beach. - Picture by Dean Osland

Fairy penguin washed up at Bar Beach
BY MELISSA LYONS
20/05/2009 4:00:00 AM

MOST would think a fairy penguin found washed up at Bar Beach was a long way from home.

But the sea bird best known to inhabit winter wonderlands has long lived off Newcastle's coast.

"People don't realise they are out there in the water around Newcastle, everywhere," Native Animal Trust Fund president Audrey Koosmen said.

Native Animal Trust Fund carer Trudy Fennell rescued Daryl, the penguin, who is named after a beachgoer who found him at Bar Beach on Sunday.

He weighed just over 600 grams, almost half the weight of a healthy fairy penguin, or little penguin as they are also known.

"He has an eye injury, which may have been from a sea eagle attack and when he can't see well, he can't fish, which means he can't eat," Ms Fennell said.

Predatory sea eagles join boat strikes and discarded fishing gear as some of the constant threats faced by the penguins.

Wild storms add to the list, throwing penguins against rocks and sending up to a dozen into care each week.

"Some unfortunately don't make it," Mrs Koosmen said.

Daryl is due to go to Taronga Wildlife Clinic for specialist eye treatment today and will be returned to Newcastle for release.

If his physical recovery is as healthy as his appetite, Daryl is sure to be back in the water in no time.

"He's already put on 50 grams. He eats 25 whitebait in one sitting," Mrs Koosmen said.

Rescue Hotline: 0418 628 483.

Source:
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/fairy-penguin-washed-up-at-bar-beach/1517537.aspx