Every Bird Matters

News and Views from International Bird Rescue

Oiled Pelican: Before wash and after cleaning

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After capture, an oiled Brown Pelican, left, awaits washing at the Fort Jackson, Louisiana Oiled Wildlife Center. The same pelican, right, a few days later after it was washed at the Gulf Oil Spill Wildlife Response in May 2010.

After stabilzation, a health exam and supportive care we use a 1% Dawn dishwashing solution to clean birds of petroleum products.

28 thoughts on “Oiled Pelican: Before wash and after cleaning”

  1. Has he also had a bit of a clip? His wings look slightly shorter as well. Looking good pelican!

  2. Alexandra- No clip, he's just holding his wings where they should be in a resting position in the clean photo. I imagine they were a little heavier than he was used to with the oil on them.

  5. How do you stop him from getting reoiled? Will there be a period of holding him captive while spill clean up efforts are in effect? Does he have to be treated for any sort of effects that the oil may have caused on his digestive or other systems?

  6. YAY! Excellent job. He looks so happy now. I hope you are able to hold him until the oil is finally cleaned up.

    xo

  8. Each bird is evaluated medically to make sure that its blood values meet a certain criteria before being released. A blood test usually lets us know if the bird is healthy enough to return to wild or needs to stay longer for more attention.

    We've releasing birds away from the oil spill on the eastern seaboard in Florida.

  9. What you all do is priceless and preserves wildlife precious to our society and our planet. Blessings on you all.

  10. I rescued many seabirds,and rid them of fish hooks and release them into the wild immediately. my problem is that they become instant pets, and trust me. follow me where ever i go…especially cormorants and pelicans, always used Dawn detergent for washing oily birds. i found that broken bones heal completely in a matter of days… i have this gift, but have no education….

  11. I have had the pleasure to sit on the beach right next to an immature pelican like the one that was rescued. They are very gentle and I love their sweet eyes. I have no experience in handling pelicans, but if there was a need for people to help clean birds, I would volunteer, because I love all birds and I love all wildlife.

  12. Thanks you for all you are doing for our wildlife after thsi terrible disaster. I get more upset everyday hearing about birds and other animals covered in oil, and its only going to get worse. There seems to be no end in sight.
    Thank you so much. God Bless you!!

  13. I think what you are doing is fantastic,, good job on the pelican and all the other animals you are taking care of,,was glad to read on here that you are letting them go on the eastern Seaboard in Florida,, hope they are safe there. Just want to THANK YOU ALL FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO HELP OUR WILDLIFE,, IT IS GREAT. GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR YOUR HARD WORK.. from Judy H.

  14. God has a special place for all of you folks at ibrrc.You all have a special place in the hearts and minds of all of us who love wildlife.. Thanks…..

  16. No amount of thanks is enough for all you do to save our wildlife! Please let people know if we are needed to help the cause…..there are so many of us who would love to be trained and assist you.

  17. Thank you for all that you are doing to help our wildlife. You are providing a glimmer of hope during this heartbreaking tragedy.

  18. God Bless you all. I can't tell you how just seeing this one picture has made my heart glad. Thank you so much for all you do.

  20. I am honored to donate to your cause and want to deeply thank you all for your dedication. I cannot find words to describe how I feel when I see those animals and birds covered in oil, I cry over this every day. Thank you, Therese

  21. Thank you for all you guys do…wherever and whenever you do it. I love shore birds, always have, and now I live on the Gulf Coast of Texas — not quite the same birds as in California and Australia — and a heartfelt thanks for rescuing these birds and giving them a chance.

  24. Thankyou so much for all the hard work you guys are doing to save the animals, so much appreciated.
    much love to you all

  25. Thank you for all of your hard work taking care of these beautiful birds. I wish that I could help more than just sending money; I feel useless living here in Tennessee.

  26. That's great! Thanks for the people who really concern and take care whose animals, you are a big help… keep up the work guys!

  28. I think if we stop destroying the world then we dont have to take care about the birds or any animals. Thats all we have to do.

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