02 July 2009

Healesville Sanctuary celebrated the successful rehabilitation and release of an Australian Pelican back to Lilydale Lake this week.

Percy was found 17 days ago with a fish hook in his wing and another fish hook and fishing line around his foot all the way through the tendon. Sadly, the Australian Wildlife Health Centre at Healesville Sanctuary sees many injuries caused by human carelessness.

"Pelicans are at risk of becoming entangled in recreational fishing gear which can wound or cripple them," Dr Rupert Baker, Senior Veterinarian at Healesville Sanctuary said.

"Hooks can take up to 12 months to rust away and during this time the bird will likely suffer major infections which can be fatal," Dr Baker explained. "Their highly sensitive bills are used for locating prey. The bill has a hooked upper mandible used for snagging slippery fish, and the pouch attached below their bill can expand to net fish or provide short term food storage. So any damage to their bill can impact on their ability to feed," Dr Baker said.

The Australian Pelican may live 25 years or longer and it is one of the world's heaviest flying birds and boasts the longest bill - up to 40cm long - of any known bird.

Dr. Rupert Baker has a message for those who enjoy recreational fishing. "It's easy to prevent these beautiful animals from being harmed. Be careful with your belongings and care for the eco-system that cares for you," he said.