NEW ZEALAND Residents discover numerous seabirds unable to fly, displaying difficulty in movement, and in some cases, dead, reasons unknown.

Seabirds of unknown cause of death on the beach.

Angela Smith and Lucy Truscott encountered a series of deceased seabirds and were distressed while walking from Waikawa Beach to Kuku, as reported by NZ Herald on March 6th. Many birds were weak and struggling to the extent that Truscott, a former military member, had to humanely euthanize them with an air gun after receiving permission from authorities. Those that could lift their heads and breathe are undergoing health checks. Smith and Truscott hope they will survive.

Over 10 days ago, these two women also found an injured bird while out walking. They reported it to authorities and even contacted the Wellington Zoo for assistance. However, this time, the number of dead and distressed seabirds has risen to at least 150.

The Department of Conservation New Zealand (DOC) assesses this as an unusual situation and reminds people not to approach the birds, to leash dogs if walking them on the beach. “It seems that the majority of birds are southern black-backed gulls. They are not listed as protected but are native creatures. We’re not exactly sure what’s happened and are still investigating. The priority right now is finding ways to manage the flock,” a DOC representative stated.

The southern black-backed gull (Larus dominicanus) is an omnivorous creature commonly found in the Southern Hemisphere. Their upper bodies and outer wings are black, while the rest is white. They have yellow beaks with a red spot. Southern black-backed gulls often gather in large flocks when foraging or resting.”