WAKULLA COUNTY, FL (WTXL) -- No one likes to talk about animal cruelty, but unfortunately, it's been happening to dozens of pelicans in Wakulla County.
Since December, an influx of pelicans that are less than a year old have been in Panacea after being "intentionally injured". While it is normal for a small number of baby pelicans to need care during the winter months, its is uncommon to have dozens needing help after sustaining injuries.
About 23 of these birds have been picked up by the Florida Wild Mammal Association, and are currently being nursed back to health.
These pelicans have had their wings fractured just below the elbow joint, making them helpless. This type of injury causes them to starve if food is not found in time.
"They can't do anything," says Chris Beatty, the President of Florida Wild Mammal Association. "By the time that we're getting them, some of them, the injuries are not fixable. We then have to have surgery done on them where their wing is amputated, a partial amputation, and then permanent placement has to be found for them at an education facility."
Many of the injured pelicans have been found near Mad Anthony's in Panacea.
If you have any information on how these birds are getting injured, or if you see an injured bird, you're urged to call the Fish and Wildfire Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922.
