Mystic Aquarium

When I went into work today I did not plan on handling a giant petrel, but as I've come to learn plans are always subject to change!

The morning began with the 8 a.m. as normal. Once again I was assigned to pens three, one and C which meant I was going to be handling and taking care of over 60 African penguin chicks and nine kelp gulls once again. However, Nicky, the rehab manager at SANCCOB, decided to introduce me to the giant petrel after I told her I thought he was scary. (When I say giant I'm not exaggerating. This bird reminds me of a pterodactyl!) We arranged a time in the early afternoon when I would help her handle him. As the day went by one of the rehabers, Romy, kept joking with me about my "date" with the petrel.

Once my morning tasks were finished I met Nicky to learn about how to handle this enormous bird. Margaret heard about what was going on and showed up with the camera to document the experience! Nicky told me how to carefully hold his head so he wouldn't bite while also holding his wings so that they don't break. Flighted birds are much different to handle than penguins since they're lighter and their bones are hollow so this was a new experience for me. Luckily I'd had some practice with the kelp gulls, but they're much smaller.

I was a little nervous, but I conquered my fear. Thanks to Nicky's careful instructions I successfully and carefully was able to pick up the petrel and feed him after I put him in the pool for a swim. I will never forget the day I faced my fear of picking up that giant bird.