California Brown Pelican Makes a Comeback After Neck Injury
Los Angeles County, Calif. – A California brown pelican found near death in Marina del Rey is recovering after emergency surgery for what is suspected to be animal cruelty. Rescuers reported that the bird’s neck pouch had been purposely slashed, preventing it from eating and leaving it in a dire condition.
The pelican’s injury, which has raised alarm among wildlife advocates, echoes a disturbing pattern of similar attacks on pelicans in the area roughly five years ago. According to International Bird Rescue, the San Pedro-based nonprofit that treated the bird, the injury was not consistent with fishing gear, but rather indicative of a deliberate act.
"I suspect somebody did this to her on purpose," said Dr. Rebecca Duerr, a veterinarian with International Bird Rescue. "Rather than being a fishing gear injury, it’s more on the order of a ‘slit-your-throat’ kind of injury."
Upon its arrival at the rescue center, veterinarians performed lifesaving surgery to stitch the pelican’s neck pouch. Hours later, staff observed the bird beginning to eat fish again—a significant sign of recovery.
Although federal protections were lifted from California brown pelicans in 2009, rescuers emphasize the importance of each individual bird. "We still treat every one like gold," Duerr stated. "It’s horrifying to think people would do this kind of thing to a bird."
This latest case evokes concern among advocates, reminiscent of an incident several years prior when around seven pelicans were discovered with similar neck pouch injuries spanning from Marina del Rey to Ventura Harbor. Despite a $5,000 reward offered at that time, no arrests were made.
"This could absolutely be related," Duerr commented. "The injuries are very similar."
International Bird Rescue assists hundreds of waterbirds annually, addressing various needs from oil spills to fishing injuries and poisoning. A number of pelicans who suffered from poisoning are set for release this week at White Point Beach.
The organization relies solely on donations and volunteers for its operations and is currently seeking help for its animal care and rehabilitation efforts.
The pelican retrieved from Marina del Rey is anticipated to recover fully within a month and may soon be released back into the wild. In the meantime, rescuers urge the public to report any suspected wildlife abuse, with Duerr encouraging, "If you see somebody doing something mean to wild animals, please speak up. That information can be reported to the California Fish and Wildlife."
As of now, officials have not confirmed whether an investigation into the pelican’s injury is underway.
