Published: June 30, 2007
Rare albatross released back into the wild by rescuers at Brean Down

A rare albatross found on Brean Beach by a walker was released back into the wild from the top of Brean Down by animal rescuers on Saturday afternoon (June 30th).

The two-year-old bird, believed to be either a yellow-nosed or black-browed albatross, was discovered, uninjured but tired, on the beach at Brean on Friday and was taken to Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre, near Burnham-On-Sea.

The bird was given a checkover by animal carers at the centre before being taken to Brean Down on Saturday and released at around 4pm. [Click here for online video footage of the bird.]

Secret World's Pauline Kidner told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "It is the first time we've heard of an albatross being seen in this area for many, many years - and it is certainly the first time we have had one at the centre."

"It was a marvellous juvenile with a very wide wing span, a distintinctive beak, and lovely black, white and grey markings."

She added that time had been a factor in releasing the bird so soon.

"The bird's health might well have deteriorated if it had been kept in captivity for too long."

"Once we were happy that the bird was not injured in any way, we were keen to set him free."

BARB, the Burnham-On-Sea hovercraft rescue charity, was on standby in case Secret World's animal rescuers had needed to venture out into the mud or seawater besides the Down.

(All photos copyright of Burnham-On-Sea.com)

RELATED LINKS:

Secret World
BARB