http://theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/01/1083224647053.html
Endangered albatrosses on a wing and a punt
By Julia Medew
May 2, 2004
It might be her long streamlined legs or the strong westerly wind
beneath her wings. Whatever it is, an extremely fit and calm Aphrodite,
backed by American model Jerry Hall, has taken a strong lead in the
world's first albatross steeplechase.
In what is being billed as "the ultimate flutter", 18 juvenile
Tasmanian shy albatrosses have been saddled with electronic
transmitters, or "jockeys", and set to the skies to complete their
migration from Tasmania to South Africa.
The project, which aims to raise awareness of the endangered birds,
will provide important information about how many are being killed by
long-line fishing. With a host of celebrities backing the birds, the
first to reach the Cape of Good Hope by August 5 will pay out.
And while winnings will be paid to the punters, the revenue, expected
to amount to millions of dollars, will be directed to conservation of
the birds.
The event's creator, Tim Nevard, from the British-based Conservation
Foundation, said the world's biggest bookmaker, Ladbrokes, and the
Tasmanian Government had teamed up to launch the race.
But while several birds have already powered through the Great
Australian Bight, confidence issues and a rare case of disorientation
have left others lagging behind.
"One bird, Xanadu, really threw us out when she started flying east
before returning back to the island," Mr Nevard said.
An interactive map tracking the progress of the birds and a form guide
is available to punters on the Ladbrokes website. Warren Lush, of
Ladbrokes.com, said betting had been overwhelming in the first week,
with bookies already taking tens of thousands of dollars from across
the world. "The biggest bet laid so far has been $6000, with the
average bet sitting at about $50," he said.
With speculation suggesting second-placed Daniphobouska may be a
"bolter", the favourites are Aphrodite and Sir David Attenborough's
bird, Ocean Spirit. While sharks and extreme weather conditions are
considered natural obstacles for the birds, around 30,000 sea birds die
from long-line fishing nets each year.
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