Mystery Ails Brown Pelicans: Dozens Fall Victim to Unknown Illness
Avian Enigma
An alarming number of brown pelicans have been stricken by a mysterious ailment, sending dozens to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Orange County. The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach has become the epicenter of efforts to save the magnificent birds, leaving experts baffled about the cause of their distress.
Mass Stranding
Since April 2nd, the center has received a staggering 79 sick pelicans, hailing from throughout Southern California. Tragically, 51 of them succumbed to the enigmatic illness within just two hours of arriving at the facility. “We are witnessing an extended mass stranding event,” said Debbie McGuire, the non-profit organization’s executive director. “This is an unprecedented situation.”
Emaciated, Tangled, Hypothermic
The ailing pelicans present a heartbreaking sight. They arrive emaciated, shivering from hypothermia, and often entangled in fishing gear. McGowan attributed their condition to a “complete starvation mode,” further fueling the need to determine the root cause of their suffering.
Hope Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the grim situation, the center’s dedicated staff remains resolute in their mission to save as many pelicans as possible. Initial lab work has shed light on their dire nutritional state. However, despite the uncertainty surrounding the illness, several birds have responded positively to supportive care, including intravenous fluids, vitamins, and nutrient-rich sustenance.
An Appeal for Support
The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center is shouldering the tremendous financial burden of treating these vulnerable birds. With each pelican requiring around-the-clock care, the costs are mounting rapidly. The center is reaching out to the community for donations to support their life-saving efforts.
Together, we can help the brown pelicans overcome this enigmatic illness and return to their majestic aerial displays. Your support will provide critical resources for the center to continue its heroic work.
