Northshore Conifer posted on April 30, 2010 19:13
With the recent threat of the Gulf Coast oil slick steadily encroaching upon the Louisiana coastline, wildlife agencies and advocates are on active standby in the event of possible environmental devastation and the disastrous effects on the area’s teeming wildlife. Not the least of the wildlife that may be in danger is our Louisiana state bird, the Brown Pelican. As quoted by wildlife experts, “Just about any petroleum can cause problems for birds because they lose their waterproofing. This is also an especially difficult time, as they are close to the peak of migration.”
Hundreds of Louisiana’s Brown Pelicans are being cleaned and transported from the site of the oil slick or other areas of possible endangerment. There is a dire need for wildlife rehab and other animal welfare organizations to step up to the petroleum polluted plate, even if it means sheltering these birds in some unconventional methods until it is safe for them to return to their natural habitat.
And speaking of just such unconventional methods, the St. Tammany Humane Society has offered to extend her wings of shelter for 40 pelicans which are in the path of immediate threat of the oil spill. It looks as if, for the time being anyway, St. Tammany’s future Pelican Bark Park may be taking on the most literal form right here at the Humane Society.
From the moment these damaged and disoriented birds’ webbed feet touch the ground of their temporary shelter, it will be ‘all hands on deck’ for the animal lovers of St. Tammany. We will need the help and expertise of all those who are willing and able to give. If you are able to donate in the form of knowledge, food, or supplies, please contact the St. Tammany Humane Society (985-892-7387). If you are able to contribute to our important mission of saving and rehabilitating our state pelicans in this time of crisis please donate to “Partnering for Pelicans” on our website at www.sthumane.org. or mail a check to the St. Tammany Humane Society, 20384 Harrison Ave., Covington, LA 70433.
There is not a moment to spare; time is of the essence. Procrastinate, and for one pelican…it may be too late.