MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — The Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, a wildlife rescue service based near North Bay Village, released a male pelican on Friday after treatment for injuries in Miami-Dade County.

Sarah Lyon, an intake associate at the station, at 1279 79th St. Causeway, said the young brown pelican found in Haulover Beach was in extremely bad shape when admitted in early May.

“He was just looking really down and weak,” Lyon said.

For about three months, veterinarians treated the pelican for fungal lesions in the pouch, ulcers in both eyes, and infections in both ankle joints. There were IV fluids, bloodwork, X-rays, antibiotics, two surgeries, and physical therapy.

“It didn’t look so good in the beginning, so it’s definitely a little extra emotional seeing a patient like this getting his second chance at freedom,” Lyon said.

For more information about the station and how to join their efforts, visit this page.

Trent Kelly

Trent Kelly is an award-winning multimedia journalist who joined the Local 10 News team in June 2018. Trent is no stranger to Florida. Born in Tampa, he attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he graduated with honors from the UF College of Journalism and Communications.

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station frees survivor treated for about 3 months

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Trent Kelly