Brown Pelicans Released Back into the Wild After Toxic Algae Poisoning

Release of Rehabilitated Pelicans

• 🐦 A group of 13 brown pelicans, sickened by toxic algae, were released back into the wild in Huntington Beach.
• 😥 The birds had ingested toxins from fish, leading to severe illness and disorientation.
• ⏳ After rehabilitation at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, they were deemed well enough for release.

Initial Release and Bird Behavior

• 🤔 Upon release, the pelicans initially stood around, seemingly unsure of what to do, before eventually flying off.
• ↩️ Some pelicans flew back shortly after their release, a behavior attributed to their young age and disorientation from being sick.
• 🎣 They are now tasked with finding their own food after being fed during their rehabilitation.

Challenges and Continued Care

• 💔 Two of the 13 pelicans were not ready for release and were taken back to the care center for further rehabilitation.
• 📉 Approximately 200 pelicans were treated during the algae bloom crisis, with about half of them unfortunately dying.
• ✅ The remaining 11 pelicans successfully flew off, with hopes they will be okay in their natural habitat.