Grounded Marabou Stork Gets Help

The following story about a marabou stork was submitted by Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in South Africa.

This marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) was found grounded near a power line and was in need of urgent veterinary attention.

He presented in a severe state of shock and was dehydrated and hypoglycemic. He was immediately placed on IV fluids. He had bruising around his shoulders and pectoral muscles, and was having difficulty breathing.

Our vets placed him on oxygen. Once he was stabilized radiographs could be taken. Not only did he have a fractured left radius, but he also had fluid in his lungs (most likely blood from the impact), his blood results also showed that he was suffering from capture myopathy.

It was touch and go in the beginning, but Basil (he looks like a Basil) wanted to live. He received anti-inflammatories and pain medication, antibiotics and meds to lower his stress levels.

Initially we tube-fed him with EmerAid IC Carnivore as he wasn’t keen on eating, but he soon felt well enough to eat by himself.

Thankfully the radius fracture did not need surgery. It healed beautifully just with the correct strapping. He has made an almost full recovery and will soon be released back where he came from.

Basil is probably one of the most sentimental animals we have ever worked with. He is incredibly sensitive. When any handling is done, he refuses to eat for two days afterward. He can sulk for days, and his look of disdain when he disapproves of his food is beyond compare. We love basil.

Thank you, Amos Letsoalo from Endangered Wildlife Trust who found Basil and ensured that he got to our hospital to get the necessary medical attention he needed.