2000
Object Number: 2009.8
This wandering albatross specimen (Diomedea exulans) was collected on Bird Island, just off the coast of South Georgia by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) team. Discovered beside a nest with no apparent damage other than a bald patch on its neck. Fortunately the skull, leg and wing bones were intact which allowed the taxidermist Steve Massam to create this wonderful specimen with a wingspan of 2.7 metres.
BAS scientists use satellite-transmitters to study these animals, small enough to place on an albatross, but powerful enough to be tracked by satellite. They show that a wandering albatross may fly as far as Brazil to collect one meal for its chick. This is a journey of 8,000 kilometres and 8 days to deliver 1-2 kilograms of food.