When wildlife rescuers in Buckinghamshire, UK, received reports of a strange, bright orange bird, they expected to find a rare tropical species. Locals were equally baffled — the mysterious bird stood out vividly against the gray skies of southern England.
However, when staff from Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital examined the animal more closely, the truth turned out to be far more amusing than extraordinary. The so-called “exotic bird” was, in fact, a seagull that had somehow covered itself in curry or turmeric, staining its normally white feathers a deep orange and making flight nearly impossible.
The rescuers described the incident as “one of the strangest casualty circumstances we have seen in a while.” The gull’s feathers were completely coated, and the thick layer of spice not only affected its appearance but also its ability to stay buoyant and aerodynamic.
Nicknamed “Vinny” — short for Vindaloo Curry — the unfortunate bird was thoroughly cleaned, revealing its true identity beneath the orange tint. Aside from a “very strong smell,” the team confirmed that Vinny was otherwise healthy and, after a careful bath and drying, was released back into the wild.
This unusual rescue quickly went viral online, with many amused by how easily a simple kitchen spice could disguise one of Britain’s most familiar birds. It’s a lighthearted reminder that nature — and sometimes human leftovers — can still surprise us in the most unexpected ways.
Leave a Reply