Deepwater Horizon Incident

Photo courtesy of IBRRC

The largest oil spill disaster in US history, Deepwater Horizon Incident began on 20 April 2010 when a BP well blow out in the Gulf of Mexico. It is yet to be contained and so far has polluted nearly 50,000 square miles of fragile Gulf waters including critical wetland habitat and over 2,000 birds including Pelicans, Gulls, Dunlins, Gannets, Herons, Egrets, Terns, Ibis and Spoonbills.

For daily statistics of affected wildlife including birds, sea turtles and dolphins visit International Bird Rescue Research Centre (IBRRC) .  We will probably never know just how many animals will suffer and perish as a result of this terrible environmental tragedy and their habitat, their home will take generations to recover.

We have been contacted by many people knowing that we are dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of pelicans and seabirds expressing their dismay at the oil spill and are wondering how they can help. We have listed below a number of informative websites of US organisations that are contributing to the rescue and rehabilitation of affected wildlife. The collective sentiment regarding donations is that although ‘BP will fund the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of wildlife affected by the Deepwater Horizon Incident there continues to be thousands of sick, injured and orphaned animals all over the world every day that need help your help. These animals are cared for by local wildlife rehabilitation organisations and you’re strongly encouraged to support them and the great they do.’

If you wish to make a donation to Pelican and Seabird Rescue please click on the PayPal button, post a cheque or money order or talk to one of our dedicated volunteers when they’re in your area. Please identify if this is a donation for the Deepwater Horizon Incident and we will ensure it is forwarded to the relevant US wildlife organisation.

Helpful links include:

International Bird Rescue Research Centre
International Bird Rescue Research Centre Blog
Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
Save Our Seabirds Inc.
Oiled Wildlife Care Network
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies