Frank the guillemot being released back to the wild by the GSPCA in St Peter Port, Guernsey

Today we released Frank the guillemot back to the wild.

Frank was found near the Fairy Rink in Pleinmont covered in oil on January 15th.

After a period in an intensive care unit, a number of bathes to remove the oil and ten days on our recovery pool he had an identification ring fitted and passed as fit to release.

Just after midday he was caught, boxed and transported just below Castle Cornet slipway.

GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne drove Frank to be released and on what was a calm sea let him out.

Frank quickly jumped out of his box, spent a little while checking his location before diving into the water below where he began enjoying the sea water with his clean feathers which only weeks ago were covered in oil.

Yvonne Chauvel Senior Animal Care Assistant said "This time last year we had dozens of oiled guillemots at the Shelter and thankfully this Winter Frank has been the only casualty due to the mostly mild weather."

"The rough sea can churn up oil that has settled on the sea bed, which birds get contaminated when they land on the water, loose their water coating and then loose their strength."

"Frank has improved day by day and it was wonderful to get him boxed for his release, it makes the job worth while."

"You have to be very careful if you find a seabird with oiled feathers as you never know what the substance may be and seabirds often try to peck at your eyes, so if you see one please give us a call for advice or check our web page."

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "We work around the clock at the GSPCA 24 hours a day 7 days a week rescuing, rehabilitating and getting wildlife back to the where they belong."

"The first 24 hours can be the hardest for any wild animal or bird when they arrive at the Shelter as they are often at their weakest, especially if they are covered in oil as you never know how much they have ingested to try and clean themselves."

"Thankfully Frank the guillemot made it through his first 24 hours at the GSPCA and day by day he got stronger and stronger until today when it was decided he should be released to the waters in which he belonged."

"When I opened the door he quickly jumped out, where he decided to take a little time taking in his surroundings before diving into the sun streaked water below."

"It really warms the heart when we can get a wild animal or bird back to their natural habitat and we all hope that Frank lives a happy and long life."

"We have a page full of advice on what to do if you find injured wildlife which you can find by going to www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice or please call us on 01481 257261."

"Did you know you could help us with our wildlife by sponsoring them through our Angel Pen Pal Sponsorship Scheme which you can see by going to www.gspca.org.gg/about/angel-sponsorship-scheme-animals-needing-guernseys-everlasting-love."

Here is some simple advice on what to do if you find sea life affected by any oiled substance -

• Do not risk your safety by looking for or picking up birds from dangerous locations. Be aware of the tides and weather conditions.
• If you do find an oiled bird and it is safe to pick it up, ensure that you are wearing gloves because the oil could be hazardous to your health. The birds may also try to peck you, so keep them away from your face.
• Collected birds should be placed on their own in cardboard boxes with newspaper or a towel. DO NOT use hay or straw. The boxes should have ventilation holes.
• Call the GSPCA 24 hour help line on 01481 257261 or take the bird directly to the Animal Shelter in St Andrews
• Please do not attempt to wash or feed the bird yourself - leave that to the Shelter staff and volunteers who have the correct training and facilities.

The GSPCA receives dozens of birds every year due to a variety of oiled substances, but this simple advice can help save those birds in need.

The Guillemot

The UK's coasts have many stretches of cliffs where seabirds breed such as the 950'000 pairs of Guillemots live and breed around the UK. They comes to land only to nest, spending the most of their life at sea, where like Frank and his friends are vulnerable to oil spills. Guillemots are dark brown and white, not as black as the similar Razorbill, it has a 'bridled' form with a white ring round the eye and stripe behind it. Their Latin name is Uria aalge and they are part of the Auks (Alcidae) family. In winter they are widespread around UK coasts but usually well offshore. However during bad weather such as gales they can be forced inland. They feed on fish and crustaceans and you are best to see them between May and July when they breed.

To see pictures of the release please click here.

Here is a full list of upcoming Bingo Dates -

Each of the Bingo nights are £14.50 per person or £10.50 for children.  They start at 7pm and for the price it includes Food and 8 Games of Bingo.

Fancy dress and bringing a musical instrument is optional, but encouraged.

Menu – Is a themed buffet with Vegetarian and Dairy, Wheat and Gluten free options

To Book your place or table please call 01481 257261 or online via our paypal link.

Cash prizes, tombola, raffle and all proceeds helping animals in Guernsey.

Bingo Bash top prizes have reached £100 for the final game.

Can seat up to 180, please book your seat by lunch time on the day.

Possible seats on the night but please try and book early.

ADDITIONAL BINGO BOOKS CAN BE PURCHASED AT £10 & £5 AT THE INTERVAL FOR THE LAST 4 GAMES

To book via paypal, in the reference box please enter the date and theme of the evening you would like to attend, as well as the numbers of adults and children with their requirements of vegetarian or gluten free if needed. Also please enter a contact phone number.

If you would like to help at the event, donate raffle prizes or know more please contact Steve Byrne on 01481 257261 or email [email protected]

Click here to find out about our GSPCA Build Partner Programme.

GSPCA Purple Week 9th - 15th February, celebrating 142 years helping animals in Guernsey. Please click here to find out how to get involved

Have you got a GSPCA Hoody, Polo Shirt, Sweat Shirt or T-shirt? If not get yours by clicking here.

To find out about our Events, how to become a Member, Sponsor an Animal Pen, our Wish List, Corporate Sponsorship & Volunteering, , our New Build & Redevelopment Appeal and much more please click here.

There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA and you can even donate online by clicking the paypal link below.

By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD

Or by phone 01481 257261.

To find out more regarding our Angel Sponsorship Scheme please click here.

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Here is the latest from the GSPCA Twitter feed -

Tweets by @GSPCA

To see a page full of items on our GSPCA Wish List please click here.