PALM SHORES, Fla – A mystery remains as to how dozens of pelicans were discovered with broken wings, some of those birds dying in Brevard County, but now there are great signs of hope for the survivors.
In February, Florida Wildlife Hospital vets said they were taking in up to 20 injured pelicans in a week.
They said the pelicans had broken wings, and they weren’t sure how it happened.
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The vets suspected at the time that humans may be to blame, but whether that was malicious intent, or perhaps, the pelicans were getting struck by boats, was being looked into.
Wednesday, the hospital’s executive director Tracy Frampton told News 6 reporter James Sparvero that three of the pelicans have improved enough to be moved into a larger enclosure.
She said it gives the healing birds more room to stretch their wings to fly back and forth.
“Luckily, their fractures weren’t as severe as some of the other fractures, so they did have a much better chance,” Frampton said.
Animal Care Technician Haille Rust brought the pelican trio into their new enclosure.
“They are doing fantastic,” Rust said. “We’re actually already starting to see some minor flight across their pool and on and off the deck which is really exciting.”
Next, Rust said she hopes to see the pelicans maintain a period of flying
“Ideally, they will be up on these high perches that are in the corners and we’ll be able to see them fly across the enclosure under their own power,” she said.
Rust said their progress gives her hope for the rest of the pelicans being treated.
“We do a great job here and I know that any animal that comes here is going to get what’s best for them,” she said.
Ultimately, the goal is to return the pelicans to the wild.
The hospital said it may be months before they’re ready.
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