Federally Protected Great White Heron Rescued and Released After Fisherman's Attack

Heron's Ordeal and Rescue

• 🐦 A great white heron, a federally protected species, was found with a broken wing over 90 days ago.
• 🎣 The injury occurred when a fisherman, frustrated by the bird interfering with his bait, threw a rock at it.
• 🏥 The heron underwent months of surgery, treatment, and therapy at the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station for rehabilitation.

Release and Accountability

• ✨ After a successful recovery, the heron was released back into the wild at Bill Bax State Park in Key Biscayne.
• ⚖️ The fisherman responsible, identified as Elares Toardo Alenuela, was held accountable for the act.
• 🛂 Authorities discovered the fisherman was living in the U.S. illegally and he was subsequently deported to Guatemala.
• 👏 The release was a special moment, signifying a second chance at life for the bird.