A distressed gull spotted by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium staff member and Ohio Wildlife Center volunteer Ann Wookey led to a successful rescue in September, freeing the bird from tangled fishing line that had sealed its beak shut.
Wookey discovered the gull grounded with this fishing lure trapped in its bill. Shore birds are often impacted by fishing lines and lures, and this case highlights how important it is for fishing enthusiast to be cautious with their lines and lures. Simply cutting your line could lead to a deadly situation for wildlife.
The injured gull needed emergency surgery and treatment from our expertly trained Veterinary Technicians and volunteers to carefully remove the fishing lure from his bill in a process that takes steady hands and patience. During the surgery supplemental oxygen was supplied to ensure the bird is able to breathe deeply.
Since the gull had been entangled in the lure for at least a week, he was starving and required hand feeding and supplemental nutrition. After several days in the Wildlife Hospital and then more time spent at our Pre-Release Facility, the gull was ready to be released back to the location where he spends most of his time.
Wookey had spent several days attempting to rescue the gull, but was never able to successfully capture the bird. Wookey says that shore birds like this gull spend their nights in roosts several miles away from their feeding areas, so she assumes that the gull was attempting to fly back after a roost and was grounded and was brought in by a different person. Wookey was so happy to discover the gull in our Wildlife Hospital when she came in for her volunteer shift!
This story had a successful ending, since Wookey was able to release the gull back with its flock. This gull is one of the 5,000 animals admitted to our Wildlife Hospital each year. Without the support of our community members, staff and volunteers we can not continue to provide excellent care to our wildlife patients. Please consider donating to help wildlife today.