Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

J Pat Carter/PA
Cruel

Someone in Florida keeps slashing pelicans' pouches so they starve

“They have a slow and agonising death until they starve to death.”

OFFICIALS IN FLORIDA say someone has been attacking the state’s pelicans, slashing the pouches of the oversized birds, which often die as a result.

Ten injured pelicans were found in the Florida Keys, sanctuary to a bounty of US wildlife, five of which died of their injuries, said officials.

Five pelicans that survived the attack were rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“Right now we don’t have any leads,” said FWC spokesman Robert Dube.

“We have no idea” who is behind this, he said, adding that authorities are offering a reward for information leading them to the perpetrators of the attacks.

“We are hoping that maybe the reward money will lead to a tip or some information on the suspect,” Dube said.

Pelicans, which congregate in coastal areas of the state, eat vast quantities of fish, which they store in pouches on the underside of their enormous beaks.

Slitting their pouches makes it impossible for the birds to feed themselves, and they eventually starve to death, Duhe said.

“They can’t hold any fish, if they grab a fish it would fall out,” said Dube.

“They have a slow and agonising death until they starve to death.”

- © AFP 2015.

Read: Planning on leaving the house today? You could go for a walk and help Irish wildlife>

Read: Why are 35,000 walruses gathering on this beach?>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
64
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.