Strengthening Bird Rehabilitation: The Impact of the Alliance Between For The Birds of Acadiana and LSU's Wildlife Hospital

Birds face many challenges in the wild, from habitat loss to injuries caused by human activity. When these birds need help, expert care can make the difference between survival and death. The alliance between For The Birds of Acadiana and LSU's Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana is a powerful example of how collaboration improves bird care and rehabilitation. This alliance combines local rescue efforts with advanced medical treatment, increasing the chances that injured birds return safely to their natural habitats.

Juvenile Brown Pelican under examination at LSU Wildlife Hospitalof Louisiana

How the Alliance Improves Bird Care

For The Birds of Acadiana is a dedicated avian wildlife rehabilitation organization focused on the skilled supportive care, rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned birds in the Acadiana region. LSU's Wildlife Hospital offers specialized veterinary services, including diagnostics, surgery, and rehabilitation facilities. Together, they form a seamless network that ensures birds receive timely and expert attention.

This alliance benefits rehabilitation care in several ways:

• Advanced medical treatment: LSU Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana provides professional diagnosis and treatment options.

• Improved rehabilitation: Access to specialized facilities and experienced staff increases recovery success.

• Higher release rates: Birds treated through this alliance have a better chance of returning to the wild.

  
  

By combining skilled rehabilitation care with professional veterinary care, the alliance addresses both immediate and long-term needs of injured birds.

Case Study: A Juvenile Brown Pelican from Cypremort Point State Park

A recent example of this alliance’s impact involves a juvenile brown pelican rescued from Cypremort Point State Park. This bird was found struggling near the shoreline, unable to fly or feed properly.

A Brown Pelican with an injured wing rests on the rocky shoreline at Cypremort Point State Park.

Initial Injury and Rescue

The pelican had a wing injury and signs of dehydration. It likely suffered the injury after a collision of unknown origin. For The Birds of Acadiana responded quickly, providing initial supportive care and transporting it to LSU’s Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana.

Successful Treatment and Rehabilitation Plan for Pelican with Carpal Fracture

While at LSU's Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana, it was determined that a right carpal compression fracture was causing the inflammationand inability to fly. The pelican was also observed coughing during its stay. Treatment included nebulized acetylcysteine, saline, and systemic amikacin. During its week-long stay at WHOLA, the pelican showed improvement and maintained its appetite. Amikacin was no longer required and the swelling in the carpus had decreased. The pelican was deemed stable to continue rehabilitation for the carpal fracture at For The Birds of Acadiana.

A Brown Pelican stands gracefully on the grass at For The Birds of Acadiana rehabilitation facility. A Successful recovery and release is expected

Successful Rehabilitation and Release is Expected

The Pelican has now been moved to an outdoor aviary at For The Birds of Acadiana for supportive care, rehabilitation and flight practice. Once fully recovered, it will be released back into the wild at Cypremort Point State Park, where it was first found.

This case highlights how expert care and skilled rehabilitation increase the chances of survival for injured birds. Without the combined efforts of For The Birds of Acadiana and LSU’s Wildlife Hospital, this pelican’s outcome would have been uncertain.

Why Expert Care Matters in Wildlife Rehabilitation

Wildlife rehabilitation requires more than just basic first aid. Birds often need specialized treatment tailored to their species and injuries. The alliance between For The Birds of Acadiana and LSU’s Wildlife Hospital demonstrates several key reasons why expert care is essential:

• Accurate diagnosis: Advanced imaging and veterinary knowledge identify injuries that may not be obvious.

• Proper treatment: Surgical and medical interventions improve healing and reduce complications.

• Species-specific care: Understanding bird behavior and biology helps design effective rehabilitation plans.

• Monitoring and follow-up: Continuous care ensures recovery is on track and prevents setbacks.

  
  

This level of care leads to higher release rates and better long-term survival for rehabilitated birds.

Supporting Bird Rehabilitation Efforts

The success of this alliance depends on community support and awareness. Bird enthusiasts and environmentally conscious individuals can help by:

• Reporting injured or distressed birds to local rescue groups.

• Supporting wildlife hospitals and rescue organizations through donations or volunteering.

• Learning about local bird species and their habitats to promote conservation.

• Advocating for policies that protect wildlife and natural areas.

Click here to support For The Birds of Acadiana

Clickhere to support Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana

For The Birds of Acadiana and the LSU Wildlife Hospital operate independently. This article aims solely to emphasize the advantages this type of alliance provides for the avian wildlife under their care. Neither organization receives government funding. Both rely heavily on public donations to fund their work.