THE seagull that was shot with a crossbow has made a remarkable recovery, thanks to the work of Isle of Wight bird rescue centre, Wild Bird Aid.
Claire Newsome, of the charity, said when she took the bird in, she did not believe it would ever fly again.
The herring gull, named Abraham by the rescue centre, was found in Worsley Road, Newport, with a crossbow bolt through its wing and in its body, causing spinal damage meaning it could not fly or walk.
However, after rest and recuperation at Wild Bird Aid, Abraham is back on his feet, able to fly and has been released into the wild.
Claire said: "His recovery went well, although obviously his wounds were very deep and took over a month to heal.
"Seeing him released was amazing. Birds always surprise us with their tenacity and determination to get better.
"Herring gulls are much maligned as vermin but when you get up close and personal with them, you realise they are such intelligent, personable birds, with surprising compassion for one another.
"They often comfort new patients. They are amazing birds and anyone who says otherwise has obviously never got to know one."