Disaster Response
IFAW rushes urgent support for vulnerable puffins after devastating floods in France
IFAW rushes urgent support for vulnerable puffins after devastating floods in France
February 27, 2026
Following exceptional rainfall and severe flooding across parts of France, wildlife has been left struggling in the aftermath. Torrential storms have overwhelmed coastal habitats, leaving seabirds exhausted, injured, and in urgent need of care.
In response, IFAW is rushing emergency funds to Réseau Centres De Soins Faune Sauvage as they rescue and rehabilitate of around 1,500 puffins affected by the storms. Acting quickly in the critical first days after the floods, local rescue teams are working tirelessly to save birds that would otherwise not survive.
A puffin impacted by devastating floods in France. Photo: © Pierre Sebastien
Vulnerable seabirds in urgent need
The birds impacted are Atlantic puffin, a species currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to significant population declines across its range.
Already under pressure from climate change, shifting fish stocks, and habitat disturbance, these storms have delivered another blow. Buffeted by strong winds and relentless rain, many puffins have been found weak, waterlogged, and unable to return to sea.
Rescue teams are carefully collecting the birds from affected coastal areas and transporting them to specialist wildlife care centers, where they can be stabilized and treated. Once in care, each puffin is gently cleaned and dried to restore the natural waterproofing of their feathers. They are rehydrated and given nutritional support to rebuild strength, while veterinary teams monitor them closely for injuries, exhaustion, and infection. Only when they are stable and strong enough will they be released back into the wild.
Without this intervention, many of these seabirds would not survive.
Our impact
IFAW’s emergency grant is supporting the urgent transportation of 1,500 rescued puffins from storm-affected coastlines to wildlife hospitals and care facilities. It is also funding rehydration treatment, stabilization, specialist cleaning, and the ongoing daily care the birds require while they recover.
By acting quickly and working through trusted local partners, IFAW is helping ensure rescue teams have the resources they need, when every hour matters.
A rescued puffin after devastating floods in France. Photo: © Pierre Sebastien
Standing with wildlife in times of crisis
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more intense, placing growing pressure on wildlife and the organizations working to protect them. For species like the Atlantic puffin, already facing long-term population decline, emergency response can make a critical difference.
While we respond to urgent crises, IFAW also supports local rescue teams to build skills, resources, and preparedness, helping protect vulnerable species before the next disaster strikes.
We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as rescue and rehabilitation efforts progress.
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