VIDEO: Monterey wildlife center rescues 52 pelicans in distress

(KRON) — The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for Monterey County continues to rescue pelicans in distress, the wildlife center reported on Tuesday.

Since April 19, the SPCA reported rescuing over 52 distressed pelicans, including 12 from another wildlife rescue that asked for assistance.

All the pelicans were thin or emaciated with poor blood values, rendering them unable to fly and in need of immediate rescue, the SPCA said.

“Most birds are coming in cold, emaciated and anemic – essentially starving to death,” said Dr. Rebecca Duerr, Bird Rescue’s Director of Research & Veterinary Science. “Many of them are exhibiting severe injuries – especially from fishing hooks and line.”

The SPCA is currently stabilizing the rescued pelicans, most of which are in serious to critical condition. The pelicans eat 25 to 50 pounds of fish per day, the SPCA said.

“These starving and injured pelican patients require a lot of hands-on care,” said Kelly Beffa, Wildlife Manager at Bird Rescue’s San Francisco Bay-Delta Center. “We are in urgent need of donations to help us cover the extraordinary costs for medicine and fish.”

Most of the pelicans are currently being rescued from Fisherman Wharf in Monterey, but the SPCA states many of the pelicans are being found in “unusual places,” such as in the middle of a road or the backyard of a private residence.

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“If you see a pelican or any other animal in distress, please contact us. The SPCA Wildlife Center is here to help, thanks to your support,” the SPCA said. Passerbys can report pelicans in need of rescue at (831) 264-5427.

The SPCA Wildlife Center is the only full-service wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Monterey County, rescuing over 2,500 injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals every year.

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