A Riverside County Animal Services officer responded this afternoon to a request for help regarding an injured pelican. Rangers with the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCo Parks for short) contacted Animal Services after retrieving the injured bird at Rancho Jurupa Park. The pelican was reportedly attacked by two or three Canadian geese. The pelican was impounded and ultimately transported to a rescue organization specializing in rehabbing injured birds.
Diane Falconer, a volunteer for Animal Services, transports injured birds to rehab facilities and nonprofit organizations. She primarily transports birds to Project Wildlife in the San Diego area, (She is featured in the video link, below.)
It’s rather rare for us to import such a bird breed as a pelican. I cannot recall if we have ever assisted with a pelican before. Diane said she believes she has picked up one other pelican previously. Today’s pelican suffered minor injuries to its beak and portions of its wings.
