A California brown pelican found with its throat pouch slashed has recovered after surgery and will be released back into the wild on Tuesday.
Named "Pink," the brown pelican has been recovering at the International Bird Rescue and will be released in a park near the Los Angeles harbor, NBC Los Angeles reported. The bird was discovered in Long Beach on April 16 with its throat pouch almost severed from a sharp object that may have been a knife.
"Despite the vicious attack against this pelican, Pink brought out the best in wildlife lovers all over the country," said IBR Executive Director Jay Holcomb, as quoted by NBC. "Though we still don't know who committed this criminal act, we're thrilled to release a strong and healthy Pink, one of hundreds of pelicans we care for every year."
Donors have contributed to a $20,000 reward offered to help bring in the person responsible for cutting the pelican's pouch, which is a federal offense.
Pink made an "incredibly fast" recovery after treatment including two surgeries and around 600 stitches, IBR veterinarian Dr. Rebecca Duerr told The Associated Press.
"The bird is a flying, craving machine. He's ready to go," she said.
IBR will continue to monitor Pink in the wild with the aid of a blue tag and has asked the public to watch for the bird and report any sightings on the group's website.
California brown pelicans were designated an endangered species in 1970 when use of the pesticide DDT brought the population close to extinction. By 2009, the birds had mostly recovered, but scientists said last year that a decrease in sardines, the brown pelican's main food source, was starving the population.
Anyone with information about the federal offense that can help bring in the person responsible can contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 310-328-1516.
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