Community Corner
Emaciated, Dying Pelican Saved With Improvised CPR
Peninsula Humane Society went to extra lengths to save this fella found on a beach in Pacifica!
SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA – The Peninsula Humane Society and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took extraordinary measures to save the life of a lethargic, emaciated and hypothermic pelican found covered with lice on a Pacifica beach Tuesday.
"It was clear the pelican was dying," Lead Wildlife Technician Greg Hassett said in a statement.
The bird’s body temperature was so low it wasn’t even registering, and his vital signs began to plummet dramatically, the agency said.
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"I decided to try one last effort to save his life by creating a makeshift warming tent of clean towels with warm forced air and provided oxygen to the pelican while keeping his airway open," Hassett said.
He also administered intravenous drugs to improve circulation.
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Another wildlife technician and two interns took turns massaging the pelican and holding the oxygen tube to his airways until the bird began to fight back.
It was the first time the organization had performed a procedure like this, Hassett said.
"After he was breathing more comfortably on his own and wasn't critically hypothermic, we were able to move him into a warmed kennel for further after care," Hassett said.
The bird remains in stable condition in the care of the Peninsula Humane Society, where he will be fed a mix of wild bird food powder, water and salmon oil every two hours until he can be returned to the wild.
“I’m so glad we took a chance on doing something unprecedented and this last ditch effort worked to save the pelican’s life,” according to Hassett.
The California Brown Pelican is native to the San Francisco Bay Area and is a common sight along the coastal areas of California. They are considered a conservation success after being placed on the Endangered Species List in the 1970’s after being nearly wiped out due to pesticide contamination in water and food sources. The Brown Pelican was de-listed in 2009.
PHS/SPCA’s Wildlife Care Center successfully rehabilitates almost 1,200 to 1,400 animals each year. They are funded entirely by donations.
- AND FOR YOUR WEEKEND: USO Variety Show; Burger & Brew Fest; 5K For Vets; Raggedy Ann & Andy Exhibit: NorCal Weekend
--Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via Humane Society
