A Limping Ring-Billed Gull Gets Help

The following story about a ring-billed gull was shared with us by Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Colorado.

This charismatic ring-billed gull was found limping around a store parking lot. Luckily for the gull, a caring person noticed it as she walked by. The rescuer approached the gull and even with a human nearby, it did not fly away. She knew the animal needed assistance and called a friend to see if they could capture it. Together they carefully corralled the bird and, after calling Greenwood, were directed to bring the bird to a triage center near them.

A veterinarian there performed an initial evaluation and decided that the gull looked healthy enough to make the trip to Greenwood, where a licensed rehabilitator could further assess its injuries. Upon arrival, the rehabilitation team found the bird had a long list of ailments, including an injured head, a painful right foot, dehydration, and emaciation.

We aren’t sure what happened to this shorebird. Antibiotics, pain medication, a deworming agent, and some much-needed food (including EmerAid) and water, helped the gull recover. It was released a mere eight days later near where it was found.