Bubble, Bubble, OIL and Trouble...

It was all hands on deck late last week at Stapeley after receiving a phone call from one of our RSPCA
Inspectors, advising us of the imminent arrival of several oiled Canada geese from Manchester.

                                

Wellies, waterproofs and aprons on, check, sinks, shower head and hot water at the ready, check,

isolation unit bedded with warm air blowing, check, several Canada geese smelling like an oil
refinery and looking like they have been down a coal mine...yes, unfortunately. A pitiful sight indeed.

Two pairs of hands per goose with relentless soaping and rinsing, ensured these unlucky birds were safe from ingesting oily chemicals (which they unwittingly do whilst preening their feathers), and began the lengthy process of attempting to restore their natural waterproofing.

                              

     



Several hours later, the geese were cleaner, brighter and consequently, safer. They will be observed closely over the coming days to monitor their general health and feather condition.  A tiring and stressful afternoon for both the geese and wildlife staff I think (!)

A few days on and some have already been transferred outside and are now preparing for their eventual release back to the wild.  Since we received the first call we have had 9 in and we have more arriving today.

Sponsors of Stapeley Grange's Summer Wildlife Assistant Position