Swell Warning: What To Do If You Find a Seabird in Wellington

When a big swell hits the Wellington and Wairarapa coasts, we often see seabirds blown off course and stranded on land. This can include mollymawks, shearwaters, petrels and other open-ocean species that have no idea how to navigate a car park or suburban street.

Who To Call First

For seabirds in Wellington, your first call should be Tony Stoddard from Kereru Discovery. Tony holds a DOC holding and transport permit and can pick up seabirds and transport them directly to The Nest Te Kohanga at Wellington Zoo for specialist care. He is much better equipped for seabird transport than a general rescue facility. Contact Flock Birdcare Wellington and we can help coordinate and connect you with Tony.

What To Do If You Find a Stranded Seabird

• Do not put the bird in water - seabirds found on land are often exhausted and sick and may drown

• Keep the bird warm, dark and quiet in a ventilated box

• Do not attempt to feed it

• Call Tony Stoddard (Kereru Discovery) first - he can transport seabirds directly to The Nest at Wellington Zoo

• Contact Flock Birdcare Wellington on 0211955509 or flockwellington@gmail.com for advice and drop-offs

• Check that any rescue organisation you contact holds a valid DOC permit

Why a DOC Permit Matters

Not all bird rescue organisations are legally permitted to handle native seabirds. Flock Birdcare Wellington holds DOC permit No. 120038-FAU, making us the only independent permitted rescue in Wellington. Tony Stoddard (Kereru Discovery) also holds a valid DOC holding and transport permit. If you are unsure whether an organisation is authorised, ask to see their permit number.

Support Flock Birdcare Wellington - we are a volunteer-run charitable trust and every donation goes directly to patient care. Visit www.flockwellington.com/donate to make a one-off or monthly contribution. Every feathered friend we release is thanks to people like you.

For one of our most memorable storm rescues, read about the mollymawk we rescued from a Hutt City car park. And for every other bird emergency, our guide to Wellington's most searched bird rescue questions has you covered.

Related reading: our guide to Wellington's most searched bird rescue questions and the mollymawk rescued from a Hutt City car park.