After months of care, countless checks and a lot of TLC, Percival the puffin has finally taken to the skies again.
The little seabird was returned to the wild at Fort Doyle on Monday morning, marking the end of a remarkable recovery journey after he was found cold, weak and covered in oil at Port Grat beach.
When Percival arrived at the GSPCA, his future was uncertain.
The oil had damaged his feathers, leaving him unable to stay warm, float properly or fend for himself. But thanks to the dedication of the charity’s team, he slowly regained his strength and his waterproof feathers.
The puffin’s recovery was no quick fix – after being washed, he needed weeks of specialist care to make sure his feathers were working properly again and that he was ready for life back at sea.
GSPCA staff said Percival had been a “very special patient”, with puffins among the most delicate birds they care for because they spend almost their entire lives out on the ocean.
Now, after his long stay on land, Percival is back where he belongs – with the hope that he will soon be reunited with other puffins from Herm as they return to the Atlantic.
A lucky escape for one little puffin, and a reminder of the incredible work that goes into giving Guernsey’s wildlife a second chance.
