In the heart of Brighton, a city famously known for its noisy seagulls, one man has made it his life’s work to rescue these feathered troublemakers. Justin King, who has been on a mission to save seagulls for over a decade, is well-known for his dedication to rehabilitating these birds.

While many in Brighton see seagulls as a nuisance, Justin views them differently and has set up an impressive sanctuary in his backyard.

Justin’s journey with seagulls began 13 years ago when a curious gull landed on his fence on the day he moved into his home. What started as a chance encounter has turned into a full-scale rescue operation.

His backyard now features a custom-built aviary and a converted greenhouse dedicated to gull care. Despite the common perception of seagulls as pests, Justin spends hundreds of pounds each month maintaining his sanctuary, including buying mealworms, whitebait, and medication.

Running this sanctuary is no small feat. Justin’s financial commitment is significant, with costs reaching up to £200 every two weeks. Donations and an Amazon Wish List help, but the rising cost of living and a drop in contributions have made things increasingly difficult.

To add to his troubles, Justin faces a court appearance over a speeding ticket—a result of rushing to rescue a gull.

This legal issue could jeopardize his entire operation, potentially halting his life-saving work.

A Community Effort

Justin’s efforts extend beyond his home.

He often collaborates with volunteers like Claire Fergusson-O’Toole, who rescues fledgling gulls found in precarious situations.

Claire and Justin work together to return these birds to safety, often dealing with the challenges of young birds falling from nests.

Despite facing criticism from some locals, Claire and Justin are dedicated to giving these gulls a second chance.

Conservation and Public Perception

Seagulls, protected under UK law, face various conservation challenges, including a significant decline in their population due to factors like Avian flu.

Justin believes that seagulls deserve more attention and support, especially given their current struggles.

Despite his tireless work, he often faces backlash from people who view seagulls as nothing more than a nuisance.

A Call for Support

Justin hopes the public will take a more active role in supporting wildlife conservation efforts. He urges people to contribute to wildlife centers and acknowledges the growing number of centers closing each year.

As he grapples with the financial and emotional toll of his work, Justin remains passionate about his cause, believing that seagulls, despite their reputation, deserve our help and understanding.

In the face of adversity, Justin King continues his mission with unwavering dedication, proving that compassion for all creatures, even those we might find bothersome, can make a profound difference.

TDPel Media

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