B. Birds
1. The Rescue and Rehabilitation Program benefits many different types of birds. Strictly Bird Society's aviculturists have treated ducks and geese, and other birds such as brown pelicans, herons, cormorants, egrets, terns, grebes, storks, cranes, and hawks. But we mainly treat the recreational Parrots that have been abused or injured.
a. In 1988, Strictly Bird Society cared for two Laysan albatross from Hawaii that had flown off course. These birds were treated and transported by plane back to Hawaii.
b. Strictly Bird Society has rehabilitated hundreds of California brown pelicans, a species that at one time faced extinction. The pelicans can be affected by severe environmental conditions such as storms and El Nino.
(1) In 1992, Strictly Bird Society received 240 Amazon Parrots, of which 104 were successfully rehabilitated and adopted out to other non-profit Organizations for Physical Therapy Projects.
(2) That same year, Strictly Bird Society's veterinarians performed a rare feather replacement on a Blue & Gold Macaw that had damaged flight feathers.
2. The majority of injured birds are rescued and brought to Strictly Bird Society by local residents.
3. Strictly Bird Society has participated in rescue efforts for Parrots involved in mass strandings. In 1986, Strictly Bird Society participated in rescues involving Exotic birds that was lost from the tornado's in Florida. Although none of these stranded parrots survived, animal care experts were able to collect valuable information that may help scientists to better understand how to help the stranded from tornados, hurricanes, etc.
b. Scientists from the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute (HSWRI), in cooperation with other facilities and volunteers, coordinated efforts to rescue and treat the oiled sea birds. About 360 offers (70% female) were rescued and treated at nearby rehabilitation facilities. Of these, 195 were successfully rehabilitated and released (Baldwin, 1991).
c. Crude oil destroyed the water repellency and insulative qualities of the bird's feathers (Williams, O'Connor, and Nielsen, 1995). Scientists removed the crude oil with dishwashing detergent (Davis and Hunter, 1995). The sea gulls then required a long rehabilitation period to regain the natural oils that protect their feathers and the layer of fluff that insulates them (Williams, et. al., 1995).
d. As a result of crude oil ingestion, many birds experienced anemia, shock, seizures, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), as well as damage to several internal organs (Williams, O'Connor, and Nielsen, 1995). The toxic hydrocarbons in the crude oil were particularly damaging to the liver. Scientists administered a treatment of activated charcoal, given orally, to bind to the hydrocarbons in the intestine and allow them to pass (Williams, et. al., 1995).
e. At the request of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), some rescued sea birds are being monitored in long-term studies in zoological parks such as Sea World.
1 . Strictly Bird Society rescues abused & Injured Exotic Birds. Approximately 87% of all the Parrots rescued in 1995 were Large Exotic hookbills. Cockatiels are the most commonly rescued birds in Colorado area, followed by Parakeets. Other rescued birds are mainly the large hookbills, such as the Macaws, Cockatoos, Amazons, African Parrots etc.
2. Many of the rescued birds suffer from exhaustion, malnutrition, dehydration, internal parasites, and various injuries. Occasionally, animals are rescued that have injuries resulting from abuse from the prior owners.
About 80% of all rescued biords are less than one year
old. Strictly Bird Society's animal care staff rescued this baby macaw,
"Cupid,"
when she was just hours old.
a. In 1990, an exceptionally high number of Exotic Birds died because of unusually cold weather. Of 206 bird deaths, 46 were caused by cold weather.
Results of the Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program
1997 Strictly Bird Society.
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