04/09/2023
This hospital and their staff help a lot of our hooked birds and injured wildlife. Throw a few bucks their way— as they are overworked, underpaid and do a massive job with their whole hearts!
https://www.facebook.com/100064618754597/posts/655850063245613/?mibextid=SDPelY
Our staff were collectively shocked to see the radiograph of this poor this morning. This is by far the largest hook we've ever found in a bird, and immediate intervention was required to save this bird's life. We are so grateful for Dr. Zellner at Avian and Animal Hospital who stayed late today to take the bird in, and she was able to surgically remove the hook. Dr. Zellner and her dedicated staff do so much for us and our patients, they are amazing! The cormorant's prognosis is still incredibly guarded so we are crossing our fingers and will do everything we can to support it through this time.
Swallowed hooks can cause a variety of complications no matter the size, and while they can occasionally pass safely through on their own these cases often require our intervention. These cases are just another way that fishing line and hooks affect wildlife. You can help prevent injuries like this by avoiding casting in areas with congregating birds, using at least 30lb line to prevent line breaks, disposing of tackle properly, and by never cutting the line if you accidentally hook a bird.
