Environmental Protection Agency EPA says the flamingo bird that was rescued from captivity and brought to Lh. Maakoa mangroves have taken a turn for the worse after the bird's health deteriorated.
EPA along with Police seized the illegally captured bird from Baarah and arrested a man in the process.
It had confirmed that the bird's wings had been clipped and that it would be unable to fly back with its flock that landed in the Maldives on its migratory plight.
The Agency had also said that the bird was being moved to Maakoa Mangroves, a Protected Area currently under the administration of the Ministry of Defense, and that a veterinarian from a local NGO would be providing medical checkups for the sick bird.
Today, EPA confirmed that the bird's health had worsened despite best efforts to treat the bird.
EPA said via Twitter that birds such as flamingos are extremely fragile animals that don’t do well with the stress of being handled.
It said that unfortunately, in the absence of proper wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the country, the standard of care needed by captured or injured animals cannot be provided.
EPA noted that this is among the many reasons why wildlife should not be captured, handled, and disturbed.
News of a flock of Flamingos who have found a temporary home at the mangroves in Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhufushi has captured the attention of the nation and some individuals with ill intentions have captured and sold the migratory birds.
EPA had promised harsh action against those who capture, sell, and buy the migratory birds.
