Wayward albatross goes from pickup to Pacific

Kahealani Mark, 10, demonstrates the wing span of an albatross after her class learned that the bird, at the Los Angeles Wildlife Center, can fly while partly asleep. Sleepy or not, this one apparently stowed away on a cargo ship and was found riding in the back of a pickup truck in San Pedro.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

The albatross rides in its carrying case in the back of a Los Angele City lifeguard boat on its way back to life in the wild.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Heading out to sea, wildlife rescuers release the albatross for its last look at the Southern California coast.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

The albatross sits on the water in a tank at the Los Angeles Wildlife Center in San Pedro, soaking up the life of a shore bird for four days. It was later released.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

International Bird Rescuers Center Manager Julie Skoglund examines the beak and head of the large bird before it is released it back to the wild.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

After a restful few days of hanging out at a San Pedro wildlife rescue facility, the albatross is taken to sea and released by International Bird Rescue Manager Julie Skoglund, rear, and Adam Ribota.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Tagged so that it can be identified again, the albatross sets off on its next journey, heading for the horizon as its rescuers cheer it on.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)