HAULOVER BEACH, Fla. – An injured pelican was rescued Tuesday morning by Miami-Dade Ocean Rescue after crews noticed that the bird wasn't able to fly, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokeswoman Erika Benitez said.
Benitez said lifeguards spotted the brown pelican right off the shore line at Haulover Beach as it was trying to fly, but it was unable to take off because of its broken wing.
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Ocean Rescue crews captured the bird and placed it inside a holding container so it wouldn't further injure its wing.
Benitez said the bird wouldn't have survived without the help from Ocean Rescue.
"Aside from ensuring the safety of beachgoers, MDFR Ocean Rescue crews understand that birds are sensitive indicators of biological richness and the health of our environment, as they play a vital role in our natural ecosystem," Benitez said in a statement.
The pelican was taken to the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station for treatment.