Seagull Release
Just when you thought you’d seen it all, along came a seagull.
Hard to believe, but this was the first seagull ever admitted to Tucson Wildlife Center. The bird’s story held a bit of a mystery—Benson Animal Hospital brought the gull to us after it was found abandoned on their property.
When the seagull arrived, it had significant feather damage, lesions on its feet, and was very thin. Together, the injuries were consistent with a bird that had been confined in a crate or other small enclosure for an extended time.
TWC’s veterinary team developed a treatment plan that included a course of antibiotics and custom neoprene booties—handmade by one of our veterinarians from an old wetsuit—to protect the bird’s feet while they healed. After several weeks of dedicated care, the seagull was healthy enough to continue its journey.
While seagulls are most commonly associated with coastlines, several species are seasonal visitors to Southern Arizona. During migration and the winter months, they can often be found around our lakes, reservoirs, and even landfills, where they are highly adaptable foragers.
Because this bird belongs in a coastal environment, it was transferred to SeaWorld San Diego’s rehabilitation center where it will be released into the wild. If you would like to help patients like this seagull, click this link to donate,
Another way you can contribute is to visit our “wish list” on Amazon or Chewy below:
We appreciate it, as will all the wild animals in our care!
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