Survival
A few months ago, we shared the story of our friend Ted, who lost a limb in a traumatic event. Somehow he survived it after much medical care, antibiotics, and lots of love and support by those who cared for him. It was a painful journey.
Birds Have Feelings Too
Ted is a pelican. He lost his wing in a violent dog attack on the beach. I can’t imagine the trauma of that event or the emotional challenges of his recovery; which made me wonder, do birds experience the same kind of neurological fear, anxiety and frustration in recovering from trauma as humans? According to documented research, the answer is a qualified “yes” depending on which scientists you talk to.
However, there’s no scientific dispute that birds have evolved a relatively large brain size, as compared to reptiles. And greater brain evolution suggests more cognitive function. In fact, birds have similar brain areas, hormones, and neurotransmitters as humans have to process “feelings.” While more research needs to be done and not all scientists agree, current evidence suggests that birds do experience emotional states akin to fear and frustration from emotional memories, like the violent loss of a wing. (Source: Avian Emotions: Comparative Perspectives on Fear and Frustration, Frontiers of Psychology, 2019). All of which makes Ted’s journey to recovery even more heroic.
KLM Caregiver Update - 31 JAN 2023
Yes, Ted’s a survivor, but like us, the speed of his recovery has benefitted from the kindness and care of his support group, including Keep Loreto Magical’s Wildlife Rescue Team, the Casa Christie Bird Sanctuary, and many others. Recently, KLM’s Cecilia Fischer and Erik Stevens, shared an update from Ted’s daily therapeutic morning swim:
“Ted has figured out how to fish without being able to dive, which is a big step towards self-sufficiency! He gets along with other birds who may think he looks odd with only one wing. And he’s learned how to walk with a lopsided center of gravity, so that he can now enter and depart the seashore without falling down; he has to balance his body just right since he has no left wing.
“Paddling in the water is also a challenge he’s re-mastering – he initially paddled in circles due to the weight-loss of his missing wing, but he now compensates with his remaining wing to overcome the centrifugal force.
“Today, during his morning search for breakfast, he confronted a manta-ray that he thought was a fish, so he left in a hurry!
“Pelicans can live up to 50 years so we are hoping to find Ted options to have as full a life as possible. Recently, we learned about an opportunity to place him in a zoo in Santa Barbara with other pelicans and are now working to secure the permits for him to leave Mexico and enter the USA.”
We’re excited about Ted’s progress and we all wish him continued success on his recovery journey. Thank you to all of Ted’s fans, caregivers and supporters!
KLM Caregiver Update - 30 Mar 2023
“Sadly, Ted passed away today after 8 months of care, due to health complications related to his injuries. Ted was one of the most interesting birds I’ve ever come to know. He was interested in watching closely everything I did in the backyard area (where he was allowed to roam with supervision). We were laying big plans to have Ted flown up to Santa Barbara, California, where he would join a flock of other disabled pelicans at a sanctuary there and where he could live out the rest of his life with expert care. But, to paraphrase the Scotsman poet Robert Burns, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
“Thank you to al the volunteers that have looked after Ted: Carlos, Luz, Isabel, Yallo, Enrique, Denise, Chris, Norman, Linda, Margaret, Leif, Marla. You were critical to helping him. Gracias!”
In memory of Ted