---
title: "Releasing the “Container ship stowaway” Laysan Albatross at sea"
---

# Releasing the “Container ship stowaway” Laysan Albatross at sea

*![Stowaway Laysan Albatross 3](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Stowaway_Laysan_Albatross_3.jpg)  
In the “pelagic pool” while in captivity, photograph by**Ariana Gastelum, International Bird Rescue*

 A “stowaway” Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* was found aboard a container ship sailing towards Long Beach, California on 7 June 2024 and taken to [International Bird Rescue](https://www.birdrescue.org/)’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center.  While in captivity it was anaesthetized and a “dime-sized granuloma mass (typically produced in response to an infection)" removed from its foot.

 On 2 July with the help of the Los Angeles City Lifeguard Association the bird was released at sea where it was videoed taking to flight.

 *![Stowaway Laysan Albatross 2](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Stowaway_Laysan_Albatross_2.jpg)  
The stowaway Laysan Albatross recovers in the “pelagic pool” while in captivity, photograph by**Katrina Plummer*

 *![Stowaway Laysan Albatross 1](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Stowaway_Laysan_Albatross_1.jpg)  
Los Angeles Wildlife Center Manager Kylie Clatterbuck and Veterinarian Rebecca Duerr examine the Laysan Albatross’s wing while the bird is under anaesthesia, photograph by Ariana Gastelum, International Bird Rescue*

 Read more [here](https://www.birdrescue.org/voyage-interrupted-caring-for-a-laysan-albatross-stowaway/) and [here](https://www.birdrescue.org/from-stowaway-to-freedom-laysan-albatrosss-second-chance-in-open-ocean/).

 This is not the first Laysan Albatross to land on a ship and be rehabilitated.  Read about [earlier examples](https://www.acap.aq/latest-news/hitching-a-ride-laysan-albatrosses-landing-on-container-ships?highlight=WyJsYXlzYW4iLCJsYXlzYW5zIiwiJ2xheXNhbiIsImNvbnRhaW4iLCJjb250YWluZXIiLCJjb250YWluZWQiLCJjb250YWluaW5nIiwiY29udGFpbnMiLCJjb250YWluZXJzIiwiY29udGFpbmF0ZWQiLCJzaGlwIiwic2hpcHMiLCJzaGlwcGluZyIsInNoaXAncyIsInNoaXBwZWQiXQ==) covered by *ACAP Latest News*.

 *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 July 2024*