Releasing the “Container ship stowaway” Laysan Albatross at sea

In the “pelagic pool” while in captivity, photograph by Ariana Gastelum, International Bird Rescue

A “stowaway” Laysan Albatross Phoebastria immutabilis was found aboard a container ship sailing towards Long Beach, California on 7 June 2024 and taken to International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center.  While in captivity it was anaesthetized and a “dime-sized granuloma mass (typically produced in response to an infection)" removed from its foot.

On 2 July with the help of the Los Angeles City Lifeguard Association the bird was released at sea where it was videoed taking to flight.

The stowaway Laysan Albatross recovers in the “pelagic pool” while in captivity, photograph by Katrina Plummer

Los Angeles Wildlife Center Manager Kylie Clatterbuck and Veterinarian Rebecca Duerr examine the Laysan Albatross’s wing while the bird is under anaesthesia, photograph by Ariana Gastelum, International Bird Rescue

Read more here and here.

This is not the first Laysan Albatross to land on a ship and be rehabilitated.  Read about earlier examples covered by ACAP Latest News.

John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 July 2024