SeaWorld Team Rescues Great Blue Heron in Ocoee

SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team recently responded to a distressed Great Blue Heron with an aluminum soda can stuck on its bill.
The blue heron was found in the neighborhood of Wesmere, located in Ocoee, Florida, off Highway 50. SeaWorld became aware of the distressed bird after receiving calls from multiple residents who had witnessed the struggling animal, and arrived on site on Thursday, April 16, 2015 to rescue the injured bird.

Upon examination it was revealed that the heron had pierced the aluminum can with its bill causing the can to be lodged around its head, creating minor lacerations to the bird’s face and eye. The SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team was able to cut the can off of the heron’s bill, however due to sustained injuries it was decided to bring the heron back to SeaWorld Orlando for medical care. The heron was examined by one of the park’s veterinarians, treated and cleared for return back to the Wesmere neighborhood within hours of its rescue.

Animals can often mistake common items, such as plastic bags, aluminum cans and other products for food or natural shelter, which can cause illness, distress and even death.

In collaboration with the government and other members of rescue networks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue ill and injured marine and land animals, with the goal to rehabilitate and return to the wild. SeaWorld animal experts have helped more than 25,000 animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned – for more than five decades. 

For more information on how you can help protect our planet visit SeaWorldCares.com.