Into The Wild

Have you ever seen a bird released into the wild? 

The members of the Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife ward at the Oklahoma State University Vet School released an American White Pelican on Sunday, February 1, 2015 near the East Recreation Area pavilion. 

The event began at the Boy Scout Hut  in Stillwater, OK where Patricia Baker, a member of the ZEW ward, gave a presentation on the American White Pelican. The presentation covered everything from the general biology of birds to birds that have unique qualities and ended with specific information about the pelican and its rehabilitation story. An endearing video of the pelican enjoying its first meal at the ZEW ward completed the presentation. 

The pelican was in the care of the ZEW ward for just over two weeks, a time in which its caretakers rehabilitated it in order to gain weight, build muscle, and have a safe place to fly. This pelican release was the first of the ZEW ward's rescue and release program.

Click on pictures to enlarge. 

Carrying the pelican down to the water

The pelican stretching its wings.

It was a little turned around at first, but eventually found its way!

And away it went!

We want to thank everyone for coming to Lake McMurtry to view the release of this beautiful animal! We hope to have more opportunities like this in the future to share with our visitors. We also want to thank the ZEW ward and Boy Scout Troop 818 for letting us be a part of this event. If you would like to keep updated on projects, events, and educational opportunities at Lake McMurtry, be sure to follow us on Facebook!