Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and Environment

Demise Of A Majestic Threatened Seabird

Biodiversity Officers from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) in Bairnsdale were called recently to help a large bird in distress at a Lakes Entrance golf course.

By Dept Of Sustainability - 11th May 2011 - Back to News

DSE Biodiversity Officer, Faye Bedford said: "When we got to the course we found a juvenile Northern Giant Petrel slowly paddling in the shallow waters of a dam."

"It is unusual to see one of these huge, majestic and threatened birds inland," Ms Bedford said.

"For a sea-faring bird to be away from its ocean environment and in a dam tells us that something is very wrong with it."

The bird was easily retrieved from the water and taken immediately to the Bairnsdale veterinary clinic for assessment and treatment.

"Although the bird showed no external injuries it was found to be extremely underweight, weak and anaemic. Despite being taken into care, the Petrel died early the next morning."

Veterinary staff and Biodiversity Officers were keen to find the cause of death in such strange circumstances, so a post mortem examination was conducted by Dr Jason Wong of the Bairnsdale veterinary clinic.

"Dr Wong found a piece of hard plastic lodged in the bird’s stomach which had impeded its natural ability to regurgitate the undigested food items of feathers and squid beaks…in a nutshell the bird had starved to death because it could not dislodge the blockage."

Ms Bedford said this type of unnecessary death is disturbing as it was entirely human induced.

"Due to the decline in their numbers, both species of Giant Petrel (northern and southern) are listed as threatened, both at a state and federal level," she said.

"Too many wildlife deaths are caused by people throwing things into the water. Even small items such as hair ties and plastic rings off milk bottles can cause pain and eventual death to any animal that may eat them or get them caught around their neck or body."

"You can help these majestic birds by remembering to get rid of your rubbish the right way. Always try to recycle whatever you can and place rubbish in bins or take it home with you."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Celebrate migratory birds’ return at Eagle Point with family-friendly nature activities on 10 October 2025
  Celebrate the return of migratory birds at Gippsland Lakes on 10 October with free wildlife activities, guided walks, expert talks, music, and learning about conservation and habitat restoration efforts.
• Gippsland Lakes welcomes migratory shorebirds with community event celebrating conservation and habitat restoration efforts
  Migratory shorebirds travel thousands of kilometres to visit Gippsland Lakes annually. A free community event on 10 October celebrates their arrival and highlights local conservation and habitat restoration efforts.
• Gippsland Lakes project restores critical shorebird habitat using science-based methods to support conservation and ecological health
  A Gippsland Lakes restoration project is rebuilding shorebird habitat through sand renourishment, monitoring, and protection, supporting species like terns and plovers while guiding future conservation efforts.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan.
• East Bairnsdale drain transformed into natural wetland enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, and facilities near Jones Bay
  A neglected East Bairnsdale drain has been transformed into a natural wetland near Jones Bay, enhancing stormwater management, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and community amenity through a $1.43 million collaborative project.
• Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
  Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment.
• Bass Coast Sustainability Festival 2026 celebrates community creativity, and environmental care at Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes on 7 March 2026
  The 2026 Bass Coast Sustainability Festival at Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes, celebrates community, creativity, and environmental care with workshops, live music, stalls, food, and special guest Craig Reucassell.
• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• Wellington Sustainability Festival returns with various workshops and family-friendly fun celebrating sustainable living in Sale on 14 March 2026
  The Wellington Sustainability Festival returns Saturday 14 March in Sale, offering workshops, garden tours, live music, kids’ activities, eco-market stalls, renewable energy displays, and family-friendly sustainable living experiences.
• Gippsland Water promotes hydration and sustainability with popular portable drinking fountains at Traralgon International tennis tournament
  Gippsland Water’s portable drinking fountains at the Traralgon International help players and spectators stay hydrated, promote tap water, support community events, and reduce single-use plastic for environmental sustainability.