The death of this individual highlights the risks of waste in nature.
This week, the Projecte Ibis Ermità team received deeply sad news: the death of the ibis Ophelia, one of the most charismatic individuals in the project.
Last Monday morning, the team found her near the aviary’s entrance door, lifeless and with no signs of violence. The collected data indicate that his death must have occurred the previous evening.
Subsequently, the animal was transferred to the Universitat de Barcelona (Department of Veterinary Medicine) for necropsy. The results have confirmed that Ophelia had ingested a metallic object approximately 7 centimetres long. All indications are that it mistook him for a worm, which caused a fatal perforation of his stomach.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of wildlife to the presence of waste in the natural environment. Apparently harmless objects can become deadly traps for animals.
The organisation is calling for collective responsibility: it is essential to avoid abandoning waste in the natural environment. Small individual gestures can have a direct and serious impact on animal life.
Ophelia stood out for her lively character and great intelligence. Known for her cunning, she had learnt to position herself strategically on a branch near the door to make the most of every delivery of food. This behaviour made her a unique and very special animal to everyone who cared for her.
The loss of Ophelia leaves a void, but also a clear message: protecting our environment is a shared task that requires commitment and respect from everyone.
