Pelican injured in Long Beach recovers, returns to the wild

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A pelican whose throat pouch was nearly severed has made a quick recovery. "Pink" was released back into the wild on Tuesday. The person who attacked the bird still has not been found.

"It's such a great success that we were able to help this animal and get him back released into the wild," said Erica Lander, Wildlife Center Manager at International Bird Rescue.

It's been a rough road back to health for Pink. The California brown pelican was found mutilated in April in Long Beach. His pouch was slit from ear to ear.

"He was essentially starving when he reached the facility because he was unable to feed himself out in the wild with that significant of an injury," said Lander.

That's when the International Bird Rescue stepped in to help.

"This one was unfortunately a cruelty victim. It had been found flailing around in Long Beach with its throat pouch basically severed from its bill -- human-caused attack," said Andrew Harmon, director of marketing and communications at International Bird Rescue.

Pink underwent two surgeries and received more than 600 sutures. The community has rallied around Pink.

"Absolutely thrilled today to see Pink take to the air and to the water and to recover so quickly," said Michael Gold with the Port of Long Beach.

The Port of Long Beach donated $5,000 to his care and anonymous donors gave thousands toward a reward for help finding the person responsible for the vicious attack. That reward is now at $20,000.

Pink is one of hundreds of animals treated at International Bird Rescue center every year.