The following story about an American white pelican was shared with us by International Bird Rescue in California.
This young, American white pelican arrived at International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center after being found at a condo complex in Los Angeles. The bird was unable to fly and was found with multiple wounds, including a larger one on its patagium indicative of a fishing hook or fishing line injury. In addition to the wound, the pelican was also very weak, emaciated, and full of parasites.
When the bird was too weak to eat and had trouble keeping food down because of the number of parasites, EmerAid IC Piscivore helped it gain weight and get stronger. Once the white pelican started to feel stronger it started to eat normally and began to live outside while recovering from its wounds.
Luckily the wounds recovered quickly and the patagium wound had no impact on the animal’s flight. Within a month of being in care, the bird was flying beautifully and successfully released.