Rescued Pelican Flies Free After Being Treated For Injuries
HAULOVER BEACH (CBSMiami) - After three weeks of nursing, a pelican, that was rescued by firefighters after being tangled in fishing line up in a tree, is free to fly.
On May 8th a crew was called out to the scene, a tree near the Haulover Beach Jetty, after someone spotted a pelican struggling to get out of a giant tree.
Firefighters, with the help of ladder trucks, climbed the tree to reach the tangled bird.
In video from Chopper 4, the pelican could be seen struggling and flapping its wings in an effort to free itself but one of the bird's wings appeared to be tangled in a branch wrapped in fishing line.
GALLERY: HIGH-FLYING PELICAN RESCUE AT HAULOVER BEACH
Once they reached the bird, they untangled it and placed it in a big net for the climb back down the ladder.
The pelican was then taken to the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station where the fishing line was removed and the bird was treated for injuries.
After a three-week-stay at the station, the pelican was nursed back to health and released Wednesday.
Jessica Cline, the interim director, said it was well worth it to see the Pelican fly away injury-free.
"It's a really happy feeling, you get really excited and always wish the best for them," said Cline.
In order to prevent similar incidents, the staff at the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station advise people, even though the birds may be a nuisance, especially so to fisherman, not to feed them because that only encourages that behavior.
"They really can't tell the difference between you throwing them a fish or you throwing your line and hook out with a fish on it," said Pelican Harbor Director Jan Pye. "So, they go for the fish on the line and end up hooked."
Also, if you see fishing line, hook or gear, pick it up and properly dispose of it.
Pelican Harbor rescues approximately 2,000 birds a year - most always from man made hazards such as fishing line, nets and plastic bags.
Click Here if you'd like to donate or volunteer to help the injured birds. Pelican Harbor Seabird Station is a non-profit organization, and your contributions are tax deductible.
