Media Release
3 May 2012

Fishing Hook Embedded in Gull's Stomach

Discarded fishing gear has caused more than just a stomach ache for one unlucky Red Billed Gull. The Red Billed Gull was brought to Wellington Zoo by the SPCA, after being found looking unwell. An x-ray revealed a fishing hook firmly embedded in the stomach.

The hook measured approximately 2.5cm – a small hook that caused a much larger problem - with complex surgery required to remove it.

“We had to cut through its ribs in order to get to its stomach,” said Dr Lisa Argilla. “The poor bird was very skinny and had no fat reserves. The hook had clearly been creating problems for the bird to digest food, and it may have been in pain for some time.”

Feathers had to be plucked away from the chest and side of the gull, and a lengthy incision made. However, the Red Billed Gull is now recovering at The Nest Te Kōhanga at Wellington Zoo and is looking much better.

“It’s a bouncy, bubbly bird now – not the weak and hungry bird that came in,” Dr Argilla reported.

“It’s a timely reminder that people need to leave areas as they found them,” said Dr Argilla. “Take your fishing gear with you. It may seem like a small piece of equipment, but it can have a devastating impact on our wildlife.”

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