BirdLife Malta has said that the young Greater Flamingo that was shot on the 11th of October, has been showing signs of recovery after resting and feeding at Ghadira Nature reserve over the last 10 days.

The Ghadira Nature Reserve Warden Charles Gauci confirmed that the Flamingo was alert, feeding itself and behaving naturally. Mr. Gauci said: "We are cautiously optimistic as the bird has survived the initial days following its injuries. It is currently feeding in one of its favourite areas and is also actively preening itself."

On the 11th of October, the Flamingo had flown off for a few hours and returned to Ghadira Nature Reserve with injuries to its head, neck and chest that were consistent with gunshot injuries. Further examination of the bird in flight in the reserve the following day confirmed that the bird had been shot, as there was also prominent gunshot damage to the primary feathers of the right wing.

BirdLife stated that there was still a risk that the bird could eventually weaken due to lead poisoning if there are lead pellets lodged in its neck or chest which might eventually poison the bird.

"We will continue to monitor the bird's behaviour and health and if it shows signs of weakening then we may attempt to catch it. Unfortunately, this is a difficult position to be in, as we do not want to scare the bird away and put it in any more danger from the poachers." concluded Mr. Gauci.

Ghadira Nature Reserve will be open to the public from the 8th of November on weekends from 10.00 to 16.00. Members of the public are invited to come and see the Greater Flamingo during these times.

Photo above shows the young Flamingo on the 11th of October, with extensive gunshot wounds to the neck and chest.

Note: The Greater Flamingo (Maltese: fjamingu) is listed as a Species of Conservation Concern in Europe with highly localised breeding populations (BirdLife International 2004). It is also given additional legal protection under Annex 1 of the Birds Directive and is a rare visitor to Malta.