After surviving a predator assault that left her unable to fly, a former Worldwide Chook Rescue affected person, a White-faced Ibis, has discovered a brand new house on the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Shorebird Sanctuary exhibit. This placement will enable guests to witness her magnificence up shut.
The ibis was admitted to Chook Rescue on September 18, 2023, after being discovered with a big wound on her again, a small one on her leg, and a drooping proper wing at El Dorado Nature Middle in Lengthy Seashore, CA. The injuries had been surgically repaired, and the fractures healed, however the hen had poor vary of movement in the best shoulder and will not fly. After 81 days in care, she was transferred to the Aquarium on December 8. 2023.
The Aquarium’s Shorebird Sanctuary exhibit is designed to resemble a wetland such because the Bolsa Chica State Marine Conservation Space, in accordance with their web site. The exhibit options a number of microecosystems and shelters Black-necked Stilts, Black-bellied Plovers, Western Snowy Plovers, Killdeer, Ruddy Geese, and now the ibis, who they’ve affectionately named Gladys.
“Gladys has rapidly develop into a workers and crowd favourite in our shorebird habitat,” mentioned Ashley Loper, the Aquarium’s Aviculturist. “She may be very curious, and is likely one of the first to discover new objects. She has settled in very effectively and may usually be seen exploring the habitat with Fred, the willet.”
Rehoming a wild hen that can’t be launched resulting from medical causes supplies a useful second probability for the hen to stay a protected and wholesome life. It ensures the hen receives correct care, together with meals, shelter, and medical consideration, which it might not survive with out within the wild. In these managed environments, a hen can keep away from the challenges it will face in nature, corresponding to predators and problem foraging resulting from its bodily limitations.
Moreover, the hen can function an academic ambassador, serving to to lift consciousness about wildlife conservation and the significance of rehabilitation efforts. By offering a everlasting house on the Aquarium, we not solely make sure the hen’s well-being but additionally contribute to broader conservation objectives by connecting folks with wildlife in significant methods.