The following story was shared with us by Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey.
In August 2018, Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge admitted a juvenile great egret with an undetermined circumstance of rescue. It was found in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and appeared lethargic with little fear of humans. The egret was easily approached and captured.
On intake exam there were no major injuries found that would support anything traumatic, but the bird was emaciated, dehydrated, and weak. It was determined that it was most likely a juvenile bird that was not skilled at hunting yet.
The egret was provided with supportive care of fluid therapy and then progressed onto an emaciation protocol that involved a few days on EmerAid IC Piscavore slurry. Egrets are difficult to entice to feed in captivity, so we provided live fish for stimulation.
Once the egret had begun eating well and put on some weight, he was released.