Puffins Freed After Storms: Heartwarming Rescue of Stranded Birds

Fourteen Puffins Return to the Wild in Saint-Jean-de-Luz Bay

After being stranded post-storms and receiving care at a wildlife rescue center following a significant mobilization effort, fourteen Atlantic puffins were released into the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz on February 27. The release drew a large crowd of onlookers, witnessing the event for the first time.

Socoa (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

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With tears in her eyes, Céline Maury watched as the birds disappeared into the distance over the ocean. Initially disoriented and clumsy, the puffins quickly regained their composure, splashing water on their feathers as they moved further away.

As the licensed director of the Hegalaldia wildlife care center, Maury’s emotions were mixed. The exhaustion from recent weeks dealing with the unprecedented arrival of over a thousand puffins in just five days mixed with joy at their ability to return to freedom, and pride as spectators expressed their gratitude for the tremendous efforts of her team. “They’re already gone, they didn’t even say thank you!” she joked, eyes fixed on the sea.

These were the first of the storm’s refugees to be released. More releases were scheduled for the coming days. Maury explained, “As soon as they’re ready and the weather permits, we release them. The goal is not to keep them longer than necessary.” Another 250 puffins rehabilitated by the association were expected to be released in the upcoming weeks.

This was not the first time Hegalaldia had faced a crisis with hundreds of marine birds arriving en masse. However, the rapidity of this event was unprecedented, as was the public interest and solidarity that emerged to save these pelagic birds weakened by consecutive storms and a lack of fish.

Social media played a crucial role in amplifying the rescue efforts, though it also brought challenges, such as counterproductive behaviors and comments. For instance, following the release, unfounded rumors circulated that the fourteen puffins had ended up stranded again, forcing Hegalaldia to respond.

Meanwhile, wildlife care centers along the Atlantic coast saw an influx of exhausted birds and new volunteers eager to help. Emergency fundraising campaigns quickly reached record levels. “We weren’t sure how we were going to end the year,” Maury continued, “now, we can even hire seasonal workers this summer.” This came as a relief in a financially tight environment for nonprofits.

Aside from donations, the gesture of people coming forward to assist touched the care teams deeply. “We were managing the crisis from 6 AM to 10 PM, and new faces were willing to make fish soup all day without complaining,” praised the director.

On Socoa beach, three women marveled at watching the puffins head back to the horizon. Dominique Simon, Gaëlle Guillet, and Rose Delion, who didn’t know each other just a few weeks prior, met on the beaches while searching for survivors among the many stranded birds. They quickly formed a team and faced the elements together.

Guillet laughed: “Our cars were a mess: boxes everywhere, towels, hot water bottles to warm them…” They were among the many who spontaneously gathered to rescue puffins and bring them to care centers. “It fills your heart to save lives,” added Delion, “But seeing so many dead was tough. I cried at night.”

Simon, for her part, checked with Hegalaldia’s teams: “Do you need volunteer transporters in Boucau?” Her experience sparked a desire to help throughout the year.

The critical period for puffin rescue is winding down. But the center is unlikely to empty soon: with spring approaching, Maury knows that baby mammals like hedgehogs and squirrels will soon need assistance.