“Pink” the Pelican, animal cruelty victim

Pink the Pelican in care at IBR photo
We don’t typically name our patients, but the nickname “Pink” stuck.

Dear Friends,

“Man, that’s so sad. Good luck, little Pink.”

That’s what we overheard a TV news cameraman say on Wednesday while filming a victim of animal cruelty, now recuperating in the aviary at International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles center. You may have seen stories about this adult Brown Pelican on the news in the past few days. Here’s a recent photo of the bird, shown with a pink plastic leg band.

Though we don’t typically name our patients, the nickname “Pink” has stuck. And you can help Pink get a second chance.

A few days ago, Pink was found in Long Beach, CA with a severe pouch laceration leaving the bird unable to feed. Sadly, the wound is consistent with human-caused injury. It’s the worst deliberate pouch slashing we’ve ever seen.

pelican slashed pouch
“Pink” may need multiple surgeries to repair a slashed pouch.

We’re pleased to let you know that Pink has been able to feed on plenty of sardines over the past few days, thanks to the temporary staples placed in the animal’s pouch wound. On Sunday, our veterinarian will perform the first of what could be multiple surgeries.

When you give to support Pink, you’re not only giving this beautiful pelican a second chance. You’re also helping to support the 200-600 pelicans our L.A. wildlife center cares for each year: oiled, injured and even abused by humans.

Slashed-pelican-fundP.S. – Please visit birdrescue.org for regular updates on Pink in the coming weeks.We don’t know why someone would do this, but we encourage anyone with information on this attack to call US Fish and Wildlife at 310-328-1516. A $7,500 reward is currently being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this crime. Tips may be given anonymously.

Thank you for your support.

In gratitude,

Team International Bird Rescue

2 thoughts on ““Pink” the Pelican, animal cruelty victim”

  1. Today was my regular day as a volunteer at IBR in San Pedro. Due to a chore I had in Pink’s outside aviary I was able to see him for the first time. He is an absolutely beautiful pelican ! And what was so sweet is they placed another pelican in with him and they were standing side by side crossing beaks and caring for each other. They actually looked like a amorous couple. I told staff I thought they should share a photo of the two of them together with the pubic. It is heart warming.

  2. A rosy pelican bird was spotted in Patna Zoo with a badly lacerated pouch. The Bird was unable to take feed and noticed listless and sitting aside of the flock. It was rescued and brought to the veterinary dispensary of zoo and a multiple surgery was done to heal the rupture by two Professors of Veterinary College, Patna- Dr Manoj Kumar and Dr. Ramesh Tiwary. The Bird was kept in isolation fence and antibiotic and feed supplement was provided. The pelican recovered from the injury and taking feeds

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