- Admitted
- January 4, 2026
- Rescue Location
- Prince George County
- Cause of Admission/Condition
- Fishing tackle
- Status
- Former Patient
Last Updated Jump to patient updates
On January 4, the Center admitted a patient not commonly seen in the hospital—a juvenile Brown Pelican! The bird was rescued from the James River in Prince George County after being found with an injured leg. Thanks to Eastern Virginia Wildlife Rescue, the pelican was quickly transported to the Center for an exam.
On arrival, the pelican was alert and feisty. The Center’s veterinary team anesthetized the bird to perform a thorough exam, which revealed frostbite on both of its feet, resulting in skin discoloration and peeling. Radiographs also revealed a fishing hook embedded in the bird's left leg, as well as swelling in the toes of the right foot. Based on these findings, the team suspects that the pelican likely became entangled in discarded fishing line and, once trapped, was exposed to freezing temperatures.
“For waterbirds, leg and foot injuries are especially serious, since strong, healthy toes and webbing are crucial for swimming and balance,” explained Dr. Liv, a veterinary intern at the Center. “This case is particularly challenging because pelicans also need to maintain waterproofing, usually through swimming—but we can’t fully submerge the feet while they’re healing."
After the exam, veterinary staff removed the fishing hook and started the pelican on an aggressive treatment regimen, including antibiotics, pain medication, and medication to improve blood flow to the injured limbs.
As a waterbird, pelicans also require a more specialized enclosure design than many of the Center’s other patients. To accommodate the bird, the team transitioned an empty office into a temporary enclosure, complete with specialized platforms to provide appropriate support and care.
For now, the pelican's prognosis remains poor due to the extent of the injuries. Staff will continue to closely monitor the bird while providing treatment and supportive care.
This pelican’s story serves as a great reminder to “clear your gear” when fishing! Discarded netting and fishing line pose a major threat to birds and other wildlife along Virginia’s waterways. Sadly, nearly 60 percent of patients brought to the Center with fishing line–related injuries do not survive to release.
The best solution is prevention: properly dispose of fishing gear in designated disposal sites, and never release fish with hooks still in them. Hosting or participating in cleanup events is also a great way to remove netting and fishing line that is already in the environment.
For more information on how you can help prevent these kinds of injuries, visit the Center's fishing tackle page.
Patient Updates
Unfortunately, the Brown Pelican declined significantly during rehabilitation. The severe frostbite injuries to the feet failed to improve despite aggressive medical care, resulting in worsening mobility and balance issues. The veterinary team made the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize the bird on January 12 to prevent further suffering.