Albatross flies free after storm ordeal

MICHAEL FOX

ELIZABETH: The royal albatross before returning to the wild at Makara.

Fierce southerly front

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KELLY SUTTON Zoom

INCOMING: The storm rolls over Wellington harbour.

Albatross flies free

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The royal albatross blown into a Wainuiomata backyard during Friday's freak storm has been set free.

Showing no signs of any lasting effects from its minor injuries, the albatross, regally named Elizabeth, was released from its cage at a windswept Makara Beach on Wellington's south coast around 2.20pm today.

It had been in Wellington Zoo's animal hospital The Nest since it was reported by the people who discovered it on Friday.

It had suffered minor injuries and was slightly underweight but had been nursed back to health by zoo staff.

Veterinarian Francois Lampen was delighted to see the bird take off as it launched into the stiff wind, before gliding above as it gathered altitude.

"That was a very good release," he said.

"She basically just broke through all the people from the crate and into the air."

Mr Lampen said they could not be sure what would happen but was confident she would return home.

Conservation Department staff believe it has come north from the colony at Taiaroa Head near Dunedin.

Staff at the Taiaroa Head sanctuary believed she might be the mother of a chick there.

- © Fairfax NZ News