For Australian Wildlife Needing Aid (FAWNA) has thanked the Tuncurry Rural Fire Service (RFS) for their assistance retrieving an injured pelican from Tern Island recently. The FAWNA 24/7 wildlife rescue hotline notified members Chris and Wendy Bawn about a badly injured pelican at Tuncurry. After their drive to Tuncurry and an extensive search, Chris and Wendy finally located the injured pelican which had made its way to Tern Island. There was no way to reach the pelican, except by boat. Chris, a member of a local Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigade, sought help from the local fire control office, who very kindly offered the use of the Tuncurry Brigade fire boat to rescue the bird. The Tuncurry RFS crew brought their vessel from Forster to Tuncurry to meet Chris to take him across to Tern Island. The pelican was rescued and brought back to the shore. Unfortunately, due to the severe nature if its injuries, the pelican had to be euthanased by a local vet. “It was encouraging that our two community groups were able to effectively work together and FAWNA is pleased to acknowledge the great assistance given by the RFS,” FAWNA’s seabird co-ordinator southern area, Wendy Bawn said. “If you locate a native animal or bird in need of assistance in MidCoast, region, contact the FAWNA 24/7 hotline on 6581 4141,” Wendy added.
