A goldfish had a lucky escape after being rescued from the mouth of a greedy seagull. The fish, since named 'Captain Birdseye' is making a full recovery - despite sustaining some minor injuries from the bird attack.
Staff at the GSPCA animal rescue centre say he was saved after a passer-by spotted a gull 'attacking' a bucket in Gibauderie, Guernsey. After scaring off the bird, the rescuer handed in the fish to animal rescuers - who said Captain Birdseye probably only survived the attack because he was 'too large' to eat.
Photos published by the GSPCA show the oversized fish now living happily in a tank at the rescue centre. Rescue workers admitted though that it is 'rare' they are asked to look after goldfish, and are now looking to provide the Captain with a new home.
Yvonne Chauvel, a Senior Animal Care Assistant, said: “We are asked to help all sorts of animals but it is rare we are asked to help a goldfish abandoned in a bucket being attacked by a gull. We have named him Captain Birdseye and despite his injuries he is doing well and if we don’t find his owners in the next 3 weeks we will be looking to find him a home.”
The charity will soon be celebrating their 150th anniversary, and are using the lucky save as an opportunity to raise awareness about their work. GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne added that Captain Birdseye was a "very lucky goldfish".
He said: “It is incredible the range of animals we rescue and help at the GSPCA and we soon celebrate 150 years of helping animals in Guernsey. “There are many ways you can help support our vital 24/7 work and donate, or raise funds for the hundreds of animals in our care.
“With over 100 hedgehogs, 5 seal pups, dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, fish, reptiles and many birds, we help over 3000 animals through the doors every year. “If you would like to help support us, you can check our Amazon Wish List and see lists of items that we use every day and things that we are appealing for.
"Another amazing way to support our work is by just a couple of pounds each month can make a massive difference in helping the animals in our care. We couldn’t do so much without your support.”
You can find out more at www.gspca.org.gg/animals
