Police and wildlife rescue staff say though he's a bit overweight with Christmas cheer, a rare native bird rescued in a storm last month is well enough to fend for himself following his release in Hamilton today.
Bill Smith of the Gordonton based "Wildcare" (Avian Wildlife Rehabilitation Trust) said the rehabilitation of male Morepork or Ruru rescued in Chartwell by a Hamilton Police officer in the middle of a severe storm last month had progressed well.
"He remained pretty feisty throughout his rehabilitation but he fed well dining on a bit of beef and supplements before we changed his diet to his more natural fare of euthanized mice.
"He still had a bit of down when we released him into bush by the Chartwell St John Ambulance station this morning but he has a fair amount of conditioning on him and we're pretty confident he'd do well."
For the officer who rescued the bird, Senior Constable Richard Collier, today's release completed a successful circle and he laughed on reflecting that yes- this was one of those better work stories.
"He had a bit of weight to him but at this time of year with all the Christmas cheer, who doesn't?
"It looks like he'll be able to fend for himself quite well until he needs his next feed and now we'll have some friendly eyes in the sky above Chartwell."
Anyone wishing to assist the Wildcare organisation with their rescue activities is encouraged to visit their Facebook page; Avian Wildlife Rehabilitation Trust.
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