A group of biologists was hard at work inside NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center in Panama City, Florida, when they heard a tapping sound coming from the front door. They went to check it out and found a pelican knocking on the glass with his beak.
The scientists were confused at first — then they saw what was wrapped around the poor bird.
Albert Gabel NOAA Fisheries
“When the pelican arrived, it was entangled in heavy-duty monofilament fishing line, with a double-barbed treble hook embedded in its right wing, and cactus spines in its foot,” Naeem Willett, senior research associate with the University of Miami Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, told The Dodo. “Despite the injuries, the bird was calm and its behavior seemed normal.”
Ty Jones NOAA Fisheries
The pelican was hopelessly tangled and was tapping on the door looking for help. Luckily, he had absolutely come to the right place.
The group gathered up some tools, carefully secured the pelican, and got to work removing the hook, line and spines. The whole process only took about 10 minutes, and the bird was the best patient the entire time.
Albert Gabel NOAA Fisheries
“The pelican remained surprisingly calm, almost as if it knew it was in good hands,” Willett said. “The three of us involved all have experience working with wild animals.”
Michelle Duncan NOAA Fisheries
The scientists checked the pelican over to make sure he was OK, then released him. He took to the sky immediately, so grateful to be free. He really had come to the center looking for help, and he found exactly what he needed.
Used fishing line can be extremely dangerous to wildlife and should always be discarded properly so that this kind of ordeal can be avoided. If you find a bird caught on a fishing hook, you can read about how to help here.
Woman Walking Down Beach Drops Everything To Rescue Pelican Trapped In Fishing LineShe didn’t have much time.