About 2000 abandoned Cape Cormorant chicks have been rescued from Robben Island.
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is housing the birds at their Cape Town facility in Table View.
SANCCOB said each chick is being assessed and hydrated on admission.
The coastal bird conservation group said that it is investigating the absence of the parents however, research manager, Dr Katta Ludyina told Radio 786 that mass abandonment often happens when there isn’t enough fish around the island. She said the parents who run out of ways to find food then decide to leave.
In the meantime, tours are temporarily on hold at the SANCCOB Cape Town centre in Table View, while resources are focused on the veterinary care and feeding of the Cape cormorant chicks.
