As Hurricane Dorian crept up the East Coast on Friday, PETA underwent a pelican rescue mission in Virginia Beach, Virginia, near their Norfolk headquarters.
A good Samaritan called the organization after spotting a pelican who was distressed and unable to fly on a busy bridge. PETA’s emergency response team immediately reported to the scene, where they discovered five stranded and weather-beaten pelicans who were struggling to fly.
The brave workers jeopardized their own safety while gathering the birds amidst traffic and in worsening weather.
The pelicans were taken to a local wildlife rehabilitator. One was treated for exposed wing tendons, while the rest received care for abrasions and cuts. They’ll be released back into the wild after they recover.
PETA released footage of the rescue, showing the diligent efforts of its emergency response team to relocate the birds to safety. Watch this video for a glimpse of the dramatic event.

Pelicans are huge birds…that was so impressive the way the rescuer just swooped down on him! You’re heroes & heroines, all of you!!
Thank You for your wonderful compassion and for taking the time to rescue these poor birds. You are all angels that walk amongst us and we are truly grateful for each and every one of you.
It’s hard to respond to several posts together. But bless all that were able to make changes that aid to protect all animals.
Thanks to all in involved in this rescue!
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you could aid them greatly.
thank you thank you thank you….all you rescue workers…you are a Godsend
This warms my heart. It’s so important to help others in need, especially animals. Thank you for your kindness!
I agree.
Thank you SO much for saving this pelican, my favorite bird. We need more organizations like PETA to help all the countless animals suffering in this world.
what heroes and heroines . These wonderful people are true animal lovers.
Bravo! This is exactly the kind of good works PETA routinely does and rarely gets credit for. They are on the front lines saving lives.
So glad someone was watching out for these pelicans. We all need to step in and help when animals are in danger, especially in a disaster.
So glad someone was watching out for these pelicans! We all need to step in and help animals, especially in disasters.
Thank goodness for people like this.
Well done , what a heartening story!
Amazing!! Bravo to the brave rescuer! She could hardly have known whether they would both be blown off the bridge.