“Percival” the Puffin Rescued and in the care of the GSPCA Amid Concerning Surge in Dead Seabirds Across Europe
The GSPCA is currently caring for a very lucky puffin named Percival after he was discovered weak, cold and covered in oil at Port Grat beach on Tuesday. With thousands of deceased seabirds washing up across the Channel Islands, UK and mainland Europe in recent days, Percival is one of the few survivors of a worrying and widespread incident affecting coastal wildlife.
Percival was rushed to the GSPCA where he is now stabilised in an intensive care unit. His feathers were heavily contaminated with oil, leaving him unable to fly, swim or feed properly. He remains under close supervision as the team work to support his recovery.
Just over a decade ago, in 2014, the Channel Islands experienced a similar seabird “wreck” following a combination of severe storms and environmental disturbance. Rough weather exhausts many species of seabirds and makes feeding incredibly difficult. Storms can also disturb settled oil or pollutants from the seabed, which then wash into coastal waters. When this oil coats a bird’s feathers, it destroys their waterproofing, leaving them cold, unable to fly or float, and in danger of poisoning as they try to clean the toxic substance from their plumage.
The GSPCA remains on high alert to respond to any further reports of sick, injured or oiled seabirds.
Public asked to report deceased seabirds across the Islands
Authorities across the Channel Islands have asked the public to report sightings of dead seabirds so data can be collected during this emerging situation.
Details on how to report can be found here:
https://www.gov.gg/Channel-Islanders-asked-to-report-injured-or-dead-seabirds
Quote from GSPCA Manager, Steve Byrne
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:
“Percival is incredibly fortunate to have been found alive. With so many seabirds washing up across our shores and neighbouring coasts, every live rescue matters. If anyone finds a sick, injured or oiled seabird, please do not attempt to wash or clean the bird yourself. Keep a safe distance, contain the bird if it is safe to do so, and call the GSPCA immediately. Oil is extremely dangerous, and without specialist care, many birds will not survive.”
“We have staff and volunteers working around the clock, especially during #GSPCAPurpleWeek, which celebrates 153 years of our charity and highlights the vital 24/7 work we do. Cases like Percival’s remind us why the community’s support is so essential. Every donation helps us rescue wildlife today and build a stronger future, including our new Wildlife Hospital which will allow us to treat even more animals in need.”
What to do if you find an oiled bird
The GSPCA has published full guidance on what to do—and what not to do—if you encounter an oiled seabird:
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animal/oiled-bird-advice
Support the GSPCA during #GSPCAPurpleWeek
As the charity celebrates its 153rd anniversary, the GSPCA is calling on the community to get involved, raise awareness, and support the urgent work that continues day and night.
Read more about #GSPCAPurpleWeek and how you can help:
https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-purple-week
To see our youtube channel and a VT of Percival please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- GSPCA Purple Week 13th February to Friday 20th February 2026 https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-purple-week
- GSPCA Celebrates 153 years Saturday 14th February 2026
- Love Your Pet Day Friday 20th February 2026
- Half Term Tours February 2026 To be confirmed
- World Wildlife Day 3rd March 2026
- International Day of the Seal 22nd March 2026
- National Puppy Day 23rd March 2026
- Easter Tours March/April 2026 To be confirmed
- National Ferret Day 2nd April 2026
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 15th April 2026 Ref – Dog15/04
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 26th April 2026
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 29th April 2026 Ref – Cat29/04
- Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday 3rd May 2026
- Charities Seafront Sunday 17th May 2026
- GSPCA Cupcake Week 15th to 22nd May 2026
- Half Term Tours May 2026 May 2026 To be confirmed
- Microchip Month June 2026
- Volunteers Week 1st – 7th June 2026
- Guernsey Together Saturday 13th June 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 21st June 2026
- Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday 26th June 2026
- Kitten Day 10th July 2026
- World Snake Day 16th July 2026
- Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 19th July 2026
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 30th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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