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Pink the Pelican has been released back into the wild after being mutilated by some jerk in April.Pink, a California Brown Pelican, had been spotted by Animal Control in Long Beach with its throat pouch slashed. A pelican's pouch is what enables it to scoop up the fish it eats, so the cruel mutilation was causing Pink to starve.
Pink was brought to International Bird Rescue, where rescuers were able to staple the pouch back together. They then performed two surgeries on Pink over the course of the next seven weeks. While it was initially said that Pink had a "50-50" chance of making a full recovery, we are happy to report that the bird is good as new.
On Tuesday, L.A. City Councilman Joe Buscaino released the pelican back into the wild. Pink's been banded with a blue band that reads 'V70.' The public is encouraged to report sightings of a happy and healthy Pink here.
Meanwhile, Pink's attacker has yet to be found. There is a $20,000 reward offered for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Tips can be made anonymously to The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (310) 328-1516.
More photos of the recovery and release of Pink the abused pelican! http://t.co/oyPPnhQCrV pic.twitter.com/Eabc0N65Pl
— ALDF (@ALDF) June 4, 2014
