The Scottish SPCA recently released Boat, a 12-week-old gannet, who was rescued as a young chick in August near Bass Rock on the Firth of Forth.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity has cared for Boat for three months after he was separated from his parents during a storm with high winds.
National Wildlife Rescue Centre Manager Colin Seddon said, “Thanks to our team here at the wildlife centre, Boat has grown into a magnificent juvenile gannet, now capable of taking care of himself.
“At first, we assist-fed him on mackerel, then he began hand feeding, and after that he just took more or less as much food as he wanted.
“Now that he’s fully waterproofed and has reached his fledgling weight and age, he’s ready to be back in the wild.
“We released him at Aberdour not far from where he was born.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Photo by Scottish SPCA
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
