Mumbai: The injured flamingo rescued by local Vasai fishermen has been operated upon and can now move its left wing. The medical team along with the doctor said that it was important for the delicate bird to bear the treatment. However, there is concern that it may not survive owing to its traumatic condition.
During the operation, fragment bones and the bird’s last three feathers (finger-like structures in flamingos) were removed. It will be kept under observation for a few days.
Avian expert Dr Rina Dev, who performed the surgery, said that it went well and the bird has started eating on its own. “The bones that had fragments were removed. The main bone however is crushed due to an apparent bullet-like wound, which will heal on its own.” The surgery went on for 90 minutes Friday afternoon.
Pawan Sharma, founder, Resquink Association of Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), said that if the flamingo responded well to treatment, its rehabilitation would be the next challenge for which, they were already working out strategies.
Incidentally, if at all, this flamingo will be the first to survive a bullet wound. Earlier in January, four flamingos that were hit by airguns did not survive.
The injured flamingo was rushed to a city veterinarian after being rescued from Vasai Thursday morning.
After primary examination and necessary treatment, it was found that the bird had pellet wounds in one of its wings and multiple fractures after being chased by dogs. Even if it survives, it may not be able to fly again. The bird stood still at Rajaudi beach in Vasai when a few local fishermen spotted it. They took it home as they feared dogs would prey on it.
