Seagull is rescued after getting coronavirus face mask tangled around its feet as RSPCA warns public to throw used PPE in the bin
- RSPCA Essex South rescued the distressed seagull in Chelmsford on Saturday
- The bird had developed swollen joints because of the coronavirus face mask
- It was taken to South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Grays to be untangled
A young seagull has been rescued by the RSPCA after its feet got tangled in a coronavirus face mask.
Yesterday, RSPCA Essex South tweeted a picture of the bird after it had been picked up by one of their teams in Chelmsford, Essex on Saturday.
A picture was also posted by their account which showed a blue coronavirus face mask wrapped around its legs.
A young seagull has been rescued by the RSPCA after its feet got tangled in a coroanvirus face mask in Chelmsford, Essex, on Saturday
A tweet from RSPCA Essex South said that the seagull had been tangled in the mask for some time and had developed swollen joints
RSPCA inspector Adam Jones said: ‘Staff at a car showroom nearby had spotted the gull around a week earlier and were concerned that he seemed to be struggling to walk.
‘Whenever they got near him to see what was wrong he flew off.
‘But on Saturday they became increasingly concerned because he’d been sat in the same spot for hours and didn’t appear to be moving.
‘I went out to catch him and when he tried to hop away he would stumble and fall.
‘As soon as I caught him it was clear to see why as the poor thing had a disposable Covid face mask tangled around both legs.’
The RSPCA’s tweet said that the seagull had been tangled in the mask for some time and had developed swollen joints.
People were also reminded by the charity to dispose of their litter responsibly to avoid any further animals from suffering
The bird was taken to South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Grays to receive veterinary care.
People were also reminded by the charity to dispose of their litter responsibly to avoid any further animals from suffering.
‘Thankfully, he’s been doing well and is being monitored closely,’ said Mr Jones.
‘They’ve now released him out into an aviary with other gulls and, when the group is ready, they’ll all be released together.
‘I’m concerned that this gull could be the first of many victims now that face masks are the norm.
‘I’d appeal to all members of the public to ensure they dispose of their face masks and disposable gloves – and all other types of litter – properly and responsibly, so that animals don’t get hurt.’