Mystic Aquarium

The day at SANCCOB began at about 8am again. I worked in pen 1 with Lucy. Pen 1 still contains birds regrowing feathers and a few with what seems to be some chest congestion and on bit more special treatment to assist in regaining their health. Pen 1 is a very busy schedule.

First thing, some of the birds require being fed fish gruel by tube feeding them. After that they receive some darrows, which is a liquid electrolyte formula that helps hydrate the birds. This is then followed by hand feeding each one of the birds. Currently there are about 50 birds in pen 1, which is separated into three areas in order to more efficiently manage their care. After they have eaten we start over again, with giving them water, then fish gruel and then another feeding. In between, some of the birds go into a nebulizer to help clear up some of the breathing and congestion that some of the birds are exhibiting.

I have learned now that it is extremely important to be as efficient as possible in this routine. If you forget something and have to go back to the prep are, you may now be behind schedule. However, I believe Lucy and I did very well today and finished our work at a reasonable time. There have been days where we are still working well past 6pm. I have a tremendous amount of respect for everyone who is working so hard every day for so many days and weeks.  With passion like this, African penguins have tremendous hope for a promising future!