Great Blue Heron Requires Hook Surgery

The following story about a great blue heron was submitted by Save Our Seabirds, Inc. in Florida.

This beautiful great blue heron presented to Save Our Seabirds on May 26, 2022, for a hook with a large lure sticking out of its side.

Due to the depth of the hook, it was referred to Safe Harbor Animal Clinic for hook removal surgery. But before the surgery could take place, the bird had to be stabilized on EmerAid IC Piscivore tube feedings, pain medications, and antibiotics.

After the patient was sufficiently stabilized, the surgery was performed to great success.

The patient healed beautifully. After sufficient recovery time in our outdoor flight pen, the heron was released on June 23rd.