An oil spill in Newcastle Harbour saw 34 pelicans rescued, assessed and washed to remove oil from feathers. Oil on a bird prevents the natural waterproofing of its plumage leading to the bird feathers remaining wet and becoming cold as the ability to thermo-regulate its temperature is compromised.

Below: 1. Assessment for fish-hook ingestion

2. Veterinarian assessment;

3. Disaster Triage  centre for 34 pelicans;

4. After three weeks in rehabilitation, eventual release of all 34 pelicans