An endangered Balearic shearwater has been rescued after being found on the shore of La Mata beach in Torrevieja. The Local Police Environmental Unit responded after a woman alerted them to the bird’s presence.

Officers transferred the shearwater to Torrevieja’s Municipal Shelter, where a volunteer contacted the Wildlife Recovery Centre in Alicante. The centre then arranged for the bird to be moved to its facilities for a comprehensive veterinary assessment.

According to the services involved, the shearwater showed no visible injuries or signs of illness and appeared to be in good physical condition. However, specialists will carry out a full examination to determine its health and support its recovery before deciding whether it can be returned to its natural habitat.

The Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) is endemic to the Balearic Islands and is listed as Endangered in Spain’s Catalogue of Threatened Species. Torrevieja Local Police have thanked the member of the public for raising the alarm and highlighted the importance of coordination between services in protecting wildlife.