An injured American white pelican that was rescued from the Calgary airport last October has been successfully released back into the wild after months of dedicated care by Calgary Wildlife, the organization announced.
Rescue and Initial Condition
The American white pelican, distinguished by its long, curved beak, thick throat pouch, and an impressive wingspan of up to nine feet, was discovered at the Calgary airport in a state of significant distress. The bird was thin, mildly dehydrated, and weak when wildlife staff brought it into care on October 20.
Upon examination, the pelican was found to have a ruptured air sac, injuries to its left wing area, foot lesions, and a heavy infestation of blood-sucking lice inside its mouth and pouch. The lice infestation made eating an excruciating effort for the bird.
Treatment and Recovery
The pelican received immediate treatment in an isolation ward, according to Beki Hunt, executive director of Calgary Wildlife. Once the lice infestation was cleared, the bird began eating well and gaining weight. It was then moved to a secondary space with sand suitable for walking.
As the pelican had missed its migration window, staff relocated it to the organization's flight pen, where it could spread its wings and practice flying until its flock returned. After seven months of rehabilitation, staff determined that pelicans had returned to the area and made the decision to release the bird.
Celebrating Success
Hunt described such successful releases as celebratory for the organization, noting that not every patient sees the same outcome. She praised the dedicated team of staff and volunteers who put in hard work behind the scenes, including cleaning cages and washing bowls multiple times daily. Successful releases, regardless of species, provide a warm hug for the team caring for the animals.
