Storm blows albatross into suburban yard

Wellington Zoo

FIXER UPPER: Dr Francois Lampen, right, head vet at Wellington Zoo’s The Nest, inspects the massive bird.

Fierce southerly front

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KELLY SUTTON Zoom

INCOMING: The storm rolls over Wellington harbour.

Rain radar

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A massive albatross that was injured in Friday's stormy weather is now recovering at Wellington Zoo.

The female  northern royal albatross - with a massive wingspan of more than 3m - was found injured in a back yard of a home in Wainuiomata.

"It must have given them quite a shock," said spokesperson Matt Kennard.

The bird, one of only 30,000 in the wild, is currently being treated at Wellington Zoo's hospital, The Nest.

It is having its blood checked and x-rays to look for further injuries.

Mr Kennard said the bird "seemed ok" but was a "little underweight".

"We're going to try to feed her up."

He said she will be safely released as soon as possible, at a beach location with "a good long run up"

"She's an absolute beauty," he said.

"She's probably been blown around a bit."

- © Fairfax NZ News