Oiled pelicans receive new home in Chicago

Five American White Pelicans rescued from the Gulf of Mexico oil eruption will live in the Windy City now. After the oiled waterbirds received care in Louisiana and Missisippi, staff from Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Ill., drove to the Magnolia State and retrieved the big birds.

Three of the pelicans are adult age, and the other two are estimated to be less than 2 years old as they still have sub-adult plumage. All five birds, rescued from the Mississippi Canyon area off the coast of Louisiana, had sustained wing injuries prior to the oil spill that prevented them from migrating this past spring to their northern breeding range.


When the oil spill occurred, the birds - which were slight to moderately oiled - joined other wildlife species that needed human intervention. They were treated for their injuries by volunteers working with International Bird Rescue Research Center and Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research. Once they were treated, cleaned, and stabilized, the pelicans were transported to Jackson Zoo until permanent homes could be found for them.

“We are sorry for the circumstance that is making it possible for us to have these animals as part of the zoo’s animal collection, but we feel extremely fortunate to be able to collaborate with these organizations and provide the birds a good permanent home where they will receive the best possible care,” said Tim Snyder, curator of birds for Chicago Zoological Society. “We hope these pelicans will serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts to help educate our guests about the effects the oil spill has had on the wildlife in the Gulf.”

The birds arrived at Brookfield Zoo on July 18, and after a 30-day quarantine period, they will live at the zoo’s Formal Pool. (Click on an image to see a larger version.)

Michael Adkesson, DVM, DIPL.ACZM, associate veterinarian for Chicago Zoological Society (right), oversees an American White Pelican being anesthetized by Michael O’Neill and Denise Young, senior keepers/Veterinary Services, as they prepare the bird
for a physical examination at Brookfield Zoo’s Animal Hospital.

An American white pelican has its wings checked during a physical examination
at Brookfield Zoo’s Animal Hospital by Dr. Adkesson, assisted by O’Neill.



Dr. Adkesson listens to the heart of an American White Pelican
during a physical examination at Brookfield Zoo’s Animal Hospital.
He is assisted by Kate Sladek, veterinary technician.

All photos courtesy of Brookfield Zoo