A protected native red-billed gull (tarāpunga) is recovering in a wildlife hospital after being attacked and stomped on by two individuals who also attempted to crush its head in Dunedin last month.
The attack took place on Islington St in the North East Valley on February 22 and it only stopped because a member of the public intervened and rescued the gull.
Bird Rescue Dunedin founder Sue Cook said she received a call reporting the attack.
“Two young fellas had grabbed the gull, were swinging it round and tried to stomp on its head but stomped on its wing.”
She said the caller told her that both were tertiary student aged and “showing off and being tough”.
Dunedin Wildlife Hospital director Lisa Argilla told 1News the gull had suffered a broken leg, a crushed rib cage and internal bleeding in the attack.
Veterinarians surgically repaired the bird’s fractured leg and provided pain relief and intensive care as its ribs healed.
“We’re happy to report that so far it is good news for this beautiful bird,” Argilla said.
“The leg fracture has healed well as have the rib fractures and he is doing very well in hospital.”
The gull would soon move to the rehabilitation pool where to build strength and fitness before being released back into the wild.
Argilla said the team were “horrified and saddened” by the attack on the bird.
“These are living, sentient beings that feel pain and do not deserve to be the victims of such cruel and senseless attacks.
“The fact that such cruel people are part of our community is horrifying.”
The Department of Conservation has been contacted for comment.
The native red-billed gull was legally protected under the Wildlife Act 1953 and was a taonga species for Ngāi Tahu.
The species might seem commonplace, but they were listed as at-risk and declining. Nationally, there were now less than 100,000 red-billed gulls left, and their numbers are expected to fall by between 50 to 70% over the next 30 years.
The offence of hunting or killing absolutely protected wildlife carried a maximum penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
