Animals Exposed to Oil Treated at San Pedro Clinic

At least eight pelicans covered in oil were taken to a San Pedro bird care center for treatment.

“All of the pelicans we have seen so far are very heavily oiled anywhere from 90 to 100-percent oiled so they are quite heavily coated with this product,” said response veteran Christine Fiorello.

San Pedro is home to the Oiled Bird Care Center, which works with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

“After we give them about 24 to 48 hours to recover from the shock, to recover from the whole process of being oiled. We use a product that helps soften the oil because it doesn’t come off easily with soap and water,” Fiorello said.

The experts go to work once the ointment soaks in. Using Dawn dish soap and small brushes, they slowly work the oil out of the birds’ feathers.

“Then they go from tub to tub diluted Dawn dishwashing detergent and are washed until the oil is washed off the tub is clean,” Fiorello said.

“It’s a lengthy process it takes about an hour and a half per a bird,” said Eric Laughlin from the Department of Fish and Game.

The process is not simple, but is necessary to ensure the birds’ survival.

“As soon as something contaminates the feathers the water can seep in and
touch the skin and the water, it just pulls the heat right out of those birds
and that is cold water out there, so that is the most significant and most
immediate effect that the oil has on the birds,” Laughlin said

Recovery after the oil removal takes a week or two. Veterinarians keep a close eye on the birds during that recovery period.

“We like to get them out as soon as possible we want them to go home,” Fiorello said.

Beachgoers who see an oiled bird are encouraged to leave it alone, but to call the Oiled Bird Care Network right away at 877-823-6926.