Community spirit takes flight to save entangled pelican in Nambucca Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley - popup ad by News Of The Area - Modern Media - September 13, 2024 The various stages of the pelican’s release. A BADLY entangled pelican has stolen the hearts of its rescuers and the community at large after WIRES volunteers and members of the public saved him from one of the increasing dangers to seabirds – discarded fishing tackle. Fishing line and tackle account for 90 percent of injuries sustained by seabirds and shorebirds with volunteer rescue groups noticing a recent spike in cases. Several concerned locals called WIRES after finding the distressed pelican at the V Wall in Nambucca. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The adult male’s wing was entangled in fishing line and it had ingested several hooks requiring immediate vet care to remove the hooks and check for fishing line injuries. WIRES carer Vanessa, who nursed the adult male pelican nicknamed Lucky while in care back to health after surgery, said although he recovered well and was successfully released, not all the birds that WIRES volunteers rescue are so lucky. “Unfortunately, we are seeing these kinds of injuries more and more – you could probably go out to the river here any day of the week and see a bird entangled or has swallowed fishing tackle,” said Vanessa. “It’s a fallacy that swallowed hooks will rust out and the birds will be fine. “If you leave an animal with an ingested hook or entangled in fishing line, then it’s a certain death sentence. “Everyone enjoys to fish and we only ask for people to be aware that discarded tackle can seriously harm our native wildlife.” WIRES is asking all recreational and professional to please responsibly dispose of unwanted or damaged fishing gear including fishing lines, hooks, sinkers and nets. Tina Birtles, WIRES Mid North Coast secretary and one of the pelican’s rescuers, said it takes a village to keep our native wildlife safe and everyone can play their part. “There’s a dedicated community of people helping these beautiful animals, no one person can do it on their own. So much time, love and energy goes into saving them. “The public, volunteer rescuers, vets and carers give hours and hours of their time to get these animals healthy enough to go back where they belong in the wild,” said Tina. “Thanks to everyone’s efforts and the community’s concern this lucky pelican was rehabilitated and returned back to its natural habitat – and that’s the highlight of what we do as rescuers and carers.” The Mid North Coast WIRES branch is calling for more volunteers to help with all native wildlife species. The next Mid North Coast Rescue and Immediate Care Course (RICC) is coming up on November 23. To register visit wires.org.au. If you see an injured animal, please report it to the WIRES 24/7 rescue office on 1300 094 737.
