International Bird Rescue
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Main problem:
Injured and endangered waterbirds -
Subproblem:
Oil spills, fishing gear entanglement, plastic pollution, disease and habitat loss -
Consequence:
Injury, suffering & death of aquatic wildlife, Biodiversity loss & species extinction -
Solution:
Emergency bird rescue, medical treatment, rehabilitation, release and wildlife protection
International Bird Rescue – Saving Waterbirds Worldwide
Founded in 1971 following a devastating oil spill in San Francisco Bay, International Bird Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing aquatic birds in crisis.
What began as an emergency response led by founder Alice Berkner has grown into an internationally recognized wildlife rescue organization. Since its founding, International Bird Rescue has responded to more than 300 oil spills and wildlife emergencies across six continents, helping hundreds of thousands of birds affected by environmental disasters and human activities.
The organization operates year-round wildlife rehabilitation centers in Fairfield and San Pedro, California, as well as an emergency response facility in Alaska. Its experienced veterinarians, rehabilitation specialists and volunteers care for pelicans, seabirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and other aquatic bird species suffering from oil contamination, fishing line entanglement, plastic pollution, injuries and disease.
Specialized treatment includes medical stabilization, careful cleaning of oil-contaminated feathers, veterinary care, waterproofing rehabilitation and supervised swimming before healthy birds are released back into the wild.
Beyond individual animal rescue, International Bird Rescue advances wildlife rehabilitation through scientific research, professional training and emergency preparedness. Its expertise has supported major international rescue efforts, including the rehabilitation of thousands of African penguins following the 2000 Treasure oil spill in South Africa.
Through donations, volunteering and conservation partnerships, supporters help provide life-saving medical treatment, specialized facilities and emergency response for vulnerable birds.
By combining compassionate wildlife rescue with scientific expertise, International Bird Rescue gives waterbirds a second chance at life and helps protect the ecosystems they depend on.
Photo Credits by: ©International Bird Rescue
https://www.birdrescue.org/?
