Public asked not to touch oiled animals

People who find oil covered wildlife washed up on beaches or in the water are asked not to touch them.

The Wildlife Response Centre team based at the Te Maunga Wastewater Treatment Plant wishes the public to call them and allow experts to handle the animals.




This oil covered penguin's natural colour is white with a blue back.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges is asking people to comply.

'People should call 0800 333 771 for the bird or wildlife to be collected.”

He says the oil is just as dangerous for people as it is for wildlife and people should call 0800 OIL SPILL if they see any at a beach.

Speaking from the Wildlife Response Centre today, Simon hopes the environmental damage of the oil slick emanating from the grounded Rena is minimised.

'We're hoping and working very hard with Maritime New Zealand to ensure there isn't any further oil spill, but we have to be prepared for all eventualities.”

People wishing to volunteer in a clean-up will undergo a training session at the Te Maunga Wastewater Treatment Plant.

People interested in volunteering can email iccrena@gmail.com>

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5 comments

ID

Posted on 08-10-2011 16:08 | By Capt_Kaveman

love to help but time is a factor and if i do i will send a bill to the shipping company for my time


Time?

Posted on 08-10-2011 17:35 | By panda

To'Capt_Kaveman - if your time is more precious than the life of these birds then you're not the sort of person they're looking for.


Oily fish

Posted on 09-10-2011 16:33 | By Kin

I've just seen a report saying don't consume any oily fish. Could someone please if this is correct because I've been having it for years after my doctor said it was good for me. Do I need to seek medical attention? Help.


Good scrub

Posted on 09-10-2011 16:45 | By Kin

Capt Kaveman is absoulutely right. We have thousands volunteering to work for nothing to clean up someone else's mess. This is great but someone should be paying for it. Surely they've got AMI insurance? Anyhow, Simon you need to be using Fairy Liquid on these birds. It works a treat on my frying pan. One squirt and a good scrub. Gentle on the hands too.


Helping hands

Posted on 09-10-2011 19:18 | By Chrissyj

I have just returned from Motiti Island after spending 3 days helping with the wildlife.Good on the wildlife response team for getting straight onto it.It's a pity a few other departments can't respond as quickly.


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