Injured Puffin Finds New Home at Sanctuary, Adapting Well

A juvenile puffin, discovered injured on a beach in the aftermath of a storm, is reportedly “fitting in well with his new friends” following his relocation to a rescue facility. Named Cliff, the puffling required immediate medical attention after being stranded on Douglas beach in October 2022. A team at Curraghs Wildlife Park subsequently provided care, restoring him to health. Although he recovered, the bird’s inability to fly prevented his return to the wild. Consequently, he has been integrated into a colony of 10 other puffins at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Tamara Cooper, representing the centre, stated: “Cliff’s condition meant he needed a safe haven where he can live comfortably and safely, which is where we stepped in.” A press release from the sanctuary, located in Gweek, close to Falmouth, clarified that Cliff’s full recovery at the Manx park was protracted, necessitating him to “stay in human care.” The statement further noted: “With no other fellow puffins in rehabilitation, he became imprinted on his human care team and seemed unable or not willing to fly so the staff at Curraghs then set about finding him a permanent home.” The Atlantic puffin, a species that recently re-established itself on the Calf of Man, is presently categorized as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Staff at the sanctuary reported that Cliff has “taken everything in his stride and is a very cool customer” and that they are currently “going through the careful process of introducing him to his new friends.” The team also mentioned that, owing to avian influenza in the UK, extra precautions, such as testing and hygiene protocols, were implemented to guarantee “the safety of both Cliff and our 10 existing puffins.” Kathleen Graham, general manager of Curraghs Wildlife Park, commented that Cliff’s “journey had been remarkable” and that the Manx keepers were “delighted to hear he has integrated well into his new flock.” She further remarked: “This is the ideal home for him, and I believe they even have a single lady puffin who hasn’t picked a partner yet, so who knows, Cliff may find a little love as well.”