Day 1: A gannet decided that it would go for a wander along Porthmeor beach in St Ives, and it didn’t seem sure what to do with itself!
An amazing (and brave!) person called Lesley realised something wasn’t quite right and scooped it up. They looked after it in their bathroom overnight.
Day 2: Lesley took the gannet for a check-up at Rosevean Veterinary Practice.
The vet gave the gannet the all clear to come to us for some rehabilitation. The gannet tested negative for Avian Influenza, had no other symptoms except exhaustion. It was wormed as a worm burden can often mean the body is not getting the nutrients it needs, causing exhaustion.
Day 3: The gannet was looking very bright and alert and eating well, diving for fish we put in the pond. As well as checking for illness and injuries, we thoroughly assess the eyesight as gannets can be prone to developing cataracts. Gannets rely on being able to see their prey in the water from the air and being able to dive for it. Gannets can dive at very high speeds, it’s been reported that they can dive at up to 80mph! 
We were very pleased to note that our patient could see the fish in the water and that it was happy to submerge its head and beak to pick some up from the pond floor. 
Day 4: Our gannet continues to do well and continues to eat well
Day 5: Worming course completed. The gannet was bright and alert and raring to go so our birdcare team did their release assessment, which it passed with flying colours and got it ready and transported it to St Ives.
It was very pleased to gain its freedom back, and even had a little hop, skip and a jump to get across the rocks, followed by a bath in deeper water.
We love our work and were so happy there was nothing more serious wrong with this gannet.
Stay well our friend. 
