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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesEscambia County Animal Welfare rescued two pelicans this week who were entangled in rope near Bayou Chico, swimming to the birds to cut them loose and help them make it to safety.
Members of the county's Animal Search and Rescue team, along with an Animal Welfare Officer, quickly jumped into action when they received a call from a concerned citizen Wednesday, Jan. 15 about the birds. The two adult brown pelicans were stranded near Bayou Drive and W Street in Maggie's Ditch, which drains into Bayou Chico.
The pair had become entangled in a rope that was not only wrapped around their wings, bodies, and feet, but also caught on a wall and attached to something at the bottom of the waterway.
"They couldn't move at all – they were completely stuck," said Animal Welfare Division Manager Kevin Monfreda, who manages the ASAR team. "Both had sores on their wings, so they had been fighting for a while."
Two members of the ASAR team swam into the water to cut the rope and free the pelicans, helping them make it safely to shore. Once the pelicans were free, one quickly swam away, but the other needed a bit more help, Monfreda said.
"One swam up the channel on its own, but the other one was really tired, probably dehydrated and hungry," Monfreda said.
Animal Welfare transported the remaining pelican to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida to be assessed and receive veterinary care before being released back into the wild.
"This rescue was a team effort that highlights the importance of our Animal Search and Rescue training," Monfreda said. "This is what we train for, and I was proud of our team for executing a smooth rescue. Everybody returned safely, no one was hurt, and we freed the birds – I think that's the most important thing."
Monfreda said this rescue also highlights the dangers of leaving debris such as rope and fishing line in the water, which can be harmful or even deadly to wildlife. Additional information is available on the NOAA website.
Escambia County Animal Welfare Director John Robinson said he is proud of the quick and professional response by his team, along with their dedication to helping animals in the community every day.
"Our Animal Search and Rescue team trains regularly for scenarios just like this, and I'm proud of them for putting that training into action to save these pelicans," Robinson said. "Any time we can help an animal in distress and give them a chance to recover and live a happy, healthy life, it's a good day for our team. Thank you to everyone who helped with this rescue, and as always, thank you to the Wildlife Sanctuary for their continued partnership with helping animals in our community."
To learn more about the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare, visit the Escambia County website.
Animal Search and Rescue team members Christi Rollins and Mackenzie Hamel after rescuing two pelicans near Bayou Chico.
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