Rehabbed Pelican Flies Free After Being Treated For Injuries
DANIA BEACH (CBSMiami) – After weeks of tender, loving care, a pelican that was found injured and tangled up in fishing line, is once again free to fly.
The injured pelican was rescued in January by three students. His winds were injured from fishing line and the majestic bird fell 75 feet into the intracoastal waterway. He was in pretty bad shape.
But the students rescued the bird from the water and took him to the South Florida Wildlife Center where he's been recovering for the past two months.
Monday morning, the rehabbed pelican and three others were released onto the sand of Dania Beach to begin their journey back into the wild.
"When we first saw the extent of his injuries on his wing, we weren't sure if he would be releasable," said Dr. Renata Schneider from the SFWC.
He proved them wrong on a gorgeous South Florida Monday morning, the rehabbed pelican and three others were released onto the sand of Dania Beach to begin their journey back into the wild.
The same doctor who treated the bird was able to take part in his release.
"It gave me goosebumps. I've honestly done this job for 12 years. This is only my fourth time ever to come to a pelican release because we get so busy at the clinic and it's hard for me to walk away. "It's such a thrill. It makes everything worthwhile, all the hours of work we do. It's just a beautiful thing," said Dr. Schneider.
Dr. Schneider said watching the bird walk out of his crate, take his steps onto the sand and fly off was priceless.
Dr. Schneider is confident that the bird will be just fine back in the wild.
