Miami-Dade

Bird Found With Face Mask Around Beak Rescued in Doral

A bird with a face mask wrapped around its beak was rescued in Doral Friday.

The anhinga was rescued by the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station after being found
entangled with a cloth face mask on Osprey Lake in Doral.

“In the span of three days, we had five people call us regarding a bird with something wrapped around its beak," Jessica Rios, a Pelican Harbor employee who went after-hours to rescue the bird said.

"After two unsuccessful attempts, we were finally able to locate it thanks to the intel and pictures sent by the concerned citizens.”

Courtesy: Pelican Harbor Seabird Station

The anhinga was immediately treated by the medical staff at Pelican Harbor.

“We were able to gently remove the mask, and found the bird to otherwise
be alert and in good body condition," wildlife veterinarian Dr. Linda Gregard said.

The bird has a positive prognosis and is expected to be released in the coming days after its bloodwork results return.

“It’s such a shame that we continue to see these types of injuries to wildlife," Hannah McDougall of the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station said. "But hopefully stories like this will encourage others to become more aware of the way in which they dispose of their trash.”

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