Ebb and flow...

We have sad news to report: the female pelican rescued off Santa Cruz by surfers a few weeks ago did not recover. The fishing hook had imbedded into her leg, piercing into bone, causing a severe infection that finally took over despite expert medical and rehabilitative care. 


Such a loss - she was otherwise a healthy adult female pelican - over three years old, having survived her treacherous youth.

One of the young pelicans
WildRescue responded to this week.

In the wake of this loss, International Bird rescue has received quite a few recently fledged pelicans - young birds that are having a tough time making it on their own. Without help, they would starve.


From a naturalist's point of view, this is how it should be - only the strongest survive to pass on their genes. So, why should these failing juveniles be rescued and treated?




Maybe, in this day and age, the real question should be, Why not? 


Is it really so bad if a few youngsters are given a second chance to beat the odds? Consider all the pelicans with injuries directly attributable to humans that are unable to be saved - like the adult female.


Believing it is our responsibility to help these individuals, WildRescue rescued two young pelicans this week. One was found weak and dissoriented on Marina State Beach and the other was strolling along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz.

Young, hatch-year pelicans are distinguishable by their white
bellies and their creamy-yellow colored legs and feet.