08-07-2025
Gruesome picture exposes horrific act against helpless pelican - as authorities launch desperate search
A pelican 'with the most hideous of injuries' has evaded wildlife volunteers trying to save its life.
The Wildlife Welfare Organisation SA Inc (WWO) sent volunteers to Meningie, in the state's southeast, after members of the public reported the bird on Sunday.
Somehow still alive, the pelican was spotted perched next to another pelican on the edge of a lake with an arrow lodged through its head.
Volunteers Bridgette and Scott searched for more than two hours but ultimately failed to find the bird.
Instead the WWO asked others to keep an eye out for it as it was not able to afford to send any volunteers out for a second trip to find it.
'WWO are still on alert in case it is spotted again,' a spokesperson wrote in a statement.
'Our resources are stretched to the limit, as most of the time it's a whole day round trip for our rescue teams.'
The WWO reported that the bird was attacked to Crimestoppers and has said it will remain vigilant for any more news regarding its whereabouts.
After their unsuccessful trip to Meningie, Bridgette and Scott travelled 34 kilometres northwest to Narrung in an effort to help more injured birds.
There they 'successfully apprehended' a different pelican with a fishing hook imbedded in its foot joint.
'This pelican was in a very debilitated state on arrival and today was assessed by Dr Erik and the SKER team. X-rays showed a serious bone infection in the joint,' the animal welfare group's statement said.
Despite the infection and the hook having been imbedded in the bones the group said Dr Erik was able to remove it successfully.
'Peace at last for this poor bird,' the WWO wrote.
Other birds to have evaded capture around the area were a pelican spotted in Cadell with a hole in its pouch that caused fish to fall out and another at Waikerie with a fractured lower beak that cannot be used to eat.
'Our hearts break for all of these poor birds, and these are only the ones that get reported.'
Anyone who manages to spot any of these birds has been encouraged to contact the WWO regarding their whereabouts.
