Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Virginia Beach
Common Name: Northern Gannett
Scientific Name: Morus bassanus
Length: 36.8-43.3 in (93.5-110 cm) Females are a little smaller in all categories
Weight: 87.1-122.4 oz (2470-3470 g)
Wingspan: 70.9-72.4 in (180-184 cm)

Quick Facts Courtesy of Cornell Lab

• Northern Gannets have excellent vision. They detect foraging gannets at great distances, enabling them to move quickly to reach prey. Their sharp eyes also allow them to detect prey underwater amid the reflected and refracted light where water and air meet. Their eyes have special structural adaptations for plunge-diving, and they are able to see well underwater immediately after striking the water.
• Northern Gannets incorporate odd objects into their nests, which are otherwise mostly comprised of seaweed, mud, feathers, and excrement. Among the prizes found by gannet researchers in the nest walls have been a plastic frog, shotgun-shell casings, rope, lobster-pot tags, false teeth, a catheter, fishing line, plastic wrap, a gold watch, a fountain pen, and golf balls.
• Most plunge-dives are relatively shallow, but the Northern Gannet can dive as deep as 72 feet. It uses its wings and feet to swim deeper in pursuit of fish.
• In North America, the Northern Gannet breeds in only six well-established Canadian colonies: three in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec, and three in the North Atlantic off the coast of Newfoundland. In Europe it is distributed in 32 colonies from the coast of Brittany in France northward to Norway.
• The oldest recorded Northern Gannet was at least 26 years, 1 month old when it was found in Quebec.

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Galileo at Richmond SPCA

So you’ve found your way to my profile! Well great minds must think alike because I’m glad you’re here! My name is Galileo. While I may not be able to put “astronomer” on my resume like my namesake, I think our friendship could be written in the stars. I am an active and a happy-go-lucky guy who has had to learn how to navigate the world in a new way. Why you ask? Because I am nearly blind! What I lack in vision, I make up for in my good looks (so they tell me) and my fun disposition. If you think you and I have what it takes to make history, give the Adoption Center a call at (804)521-1307 to schedule an appointment to meet me!

Age: 4 years, 8 months
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: Tan / White
Size: L (dog size guide)
ID: 44941871

 

Adopt Ratatouille at the Galileo SPCA

In response to COVID-19 and in order to reduce visitor traffic, observe necessary social distancing and to best protect the health and wellbeing of thier staff and members of the public, Richmond SPCA has transitioned to adoptions by appointment only. Please review their adoption appointment process.