It was a close call for a little ibis on Thursday, but thanks to Fort Lauderdale firefighters and the people at the South Florida Wildlife Center, he's getting the medical attention he needs
Antonia Gardener is the veterinarian treating the bird.
"The bird is extremely weak. He can't stand. He can hold his head up. But just barely," she said.
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He flew into this tree earlier in the day and got tangled in limbs and fishing line.
Claret Rodriguez saw the incident.
"When he landed, he immediately got caught and dangled upside down. And then started flapping his wings," Rodriguez said.
Witnesses called the fire department who came out and rescued the bird quickly, but at this point it is still touch and go for the little guy.
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"It's either fractured very high up or dislocated at the hip," Gardener said.
Vetenarians are now doing X-rays and stabilizing the bird.
"We will have to wait until he's more stable. We will see if he makes it through the next day or two with just supportive care. Medication. Fluids and warmth just tlc at this point," Gardener said.
But rescuers say this happens all too often. Birds get tangled and sometimes aren't able to be rescued in time.
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"Unfortunately we see this a lot with birds caught in fishing line. Hanging from trees. Legs tied together. Hooks in wings and legs," said Robbie Rudderman is with the wildlife center.
Rescuers urge the public to be mindful of birds when fishing.
"It's always good to help a person or an animal. We love to help so we get enjoyment out of any kind of rescue." said rescuer GW Depaw.
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