Seabirds rescued from Dorset coast released into the wild (From Dorset Echo)

Seabirds rescued from Dorset coast released into the wild

9:20am Friday 22nd February 2013 in News By Rachael Burnett

SOME of the seabirds rescued from Dorset and the south coast covered in an oil additive have been released into the wild.

Around 300 birds, mainly guillemots, were washed up two weeks ago along Chesil Beach and other sites on the south coast covered in a waxy substance.

Here's a video by the RSPCA showing how the birds were taken into care and cleaned.

Most of them were taken to West Hatch Animal Centre in Taunton and about 60 went to the RSPCA’s centre at Mallydams Wood wildlife centre in Hastings, East Sussex.

A total of 22 guillemots were released at Pett Level beach in East Sussex on Wednesday.

Geoff Matthews, RSPCA branch president for West Dorset, said: “It’s wonderful news and shows it was worth all the time and effort.

“This time of year these birds are making their way to their nesting areas.

“The more that can be saved the better for the species.

“They are facing so many pressures these days.

“Well done to the people who have been cleaning them up – it’s a difficult job.”

Dozens of the birds at West Hatch are now in outdoor pools and on track to be released within the next two weeks.

Staff have been using washing up liquid and margarine to clean the animals.