MADDEN, AB, CANADA, October 10, 2008
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Two pelicans suffering from gunshot wounds were rescued north of Calgary. The first was captured on a slough in Crossfield, the second was rescued from a pond at the north end of Calgary only a day later. It is believed the two pelicans are flock-mates and were probably shot by the same person. Both are receiving care at the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation where they will likely have to remain for the winter.
The first pelican was spotted nearly two weeks ago, swimming alone on a Crossfield slough. As pelicans are not solitary animals, residents thought it was odd for the bird to be there so long by itself. Staff and volunteers from the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), with the aid of the Crossfield fire department, captured the bird with the use of a boat. Examination revealed a wound in the neck accompanied by air sac rupture caused by blunt trauma and soft tissue damage. The bird also carried a heavy parasite load and was thin, undoubtedly due to lack of ability to fend for itself. Furthermore, the anxiety of being without others of its own kind added considerable stress to her physical state.
The next day, AIWC personnel responded to a stranded pelican in the Harvest Hills area. This time they were able to maneuver the pelican to shore without the aid of the fire department though the latter stood by in case they were needed.
Like the first one, this pelican was also shot; a hole penetrated its left wing. It also suffered air sac rupture, infection, and a large wound that was full of maggots.
AIWC staff pieced together bits of information and are now speculating the birds were shot at the same time in the same location. It is illegal to shoot pelicans as they are protected by international laws. Wildlife officials may not have enough evidence to capture the perpetrator.
For both birds, AIWC staff says the pelicans' prognosis is guarded. Though they will recover from their injuries there is some doubt they will fly again. "It is too soon to say how they will do," says biologist, Dianne Wittner. "Even if they make a full recovery and are able to fly, it's not going to happen in time for them to migrate this fall."
When the two birds were united, they immediately responded to each other. It is very likely they originated from the same flock. At this point, they are stressed by captivity and both have lost weight. The younger of the two is adapting quicker and beginning to eat well but the older is reluctant to feed and there is some concern the stress may be too much for him.
For the full story contact Tara Tamasi, Executive Director at AIWC or visit aiwc.ca. Ms. Tamasi can be reached at 403-946-3813.
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