A longtail was released back into the wild yesterday after being given a little tender loving care at the aquarium.

"It went absolutely great, the bird literally just flew out of my hands after looking around for a few minutes," said Government Terrestrial Conservation Officer, Jeremy Madeiros, who released the chick off Nonsuch Island.

The longtail chick, named Rufio was between 70 to 75 days old, and had spent three weeks in the Bermuda Zoological Society's (BZS) longtail rehabilitation project.

While there he was monitored regularly and given a diet of squid and small fish.

Aquarium intern Julie Sayre commented on his improved appearance, saying: "Now its wings are a lot longer, his flight feathers have grown and he has gained weight, he is also a lot more well-behaved.

"He used to bite and flap around and be aggressive, but now he is a lot more calm and more used to humans. I am happy it reached the point that it can be released. You get a little attached but it's better if they can go out in the wild and have a normal life." she added.