Help! Found an Injured Sandhill Crane. New Update: Post 20

[Virgo10]

Three days ago I was at Wal Mart and at the retention pond next to the store I noticed a Sandhill Crane. The bird was actually sitting and that's the first time I even saw one do that. I didn't have my camera so I just kept going.

Well this morning I did bring my camera but figured there's no way it would still be there. It was though and so I pulled over to the fence and got out to take a photo or two.

The first thing I noticed was that it was limping and then I saw why. Its left foot is gone!

The poor thing is hobbling around in this fenced off area and I was so upset that I didn't take any pictures, just headed home to look for places that might be able to help.

I'm still looking online for places that care for injured wildlife and have already called a place in Gainesville (Florida Wildlife Care) and left a message. Are there any Florida people here who know any other places I could call for help on a Sunday?

Thanks.

 

[littleteapot]

You could try a local zoo, if they can't help, they may know who else you could call. Zoos are open seven days a week.

Poor crane.

 

[Virgo10]

I found a place in Tampa that put me in touch with two wildlife rehabilitators that live right in our town. I've left messages with both of them.

 

[Piecey]

I can't believe no one else noticed-- especially the Wal Mart employees?!

I hope you get to help the poor guy

 

[pigletliz]

Have your tried your local animal contol agency? They are generally have officers on duty for emergencies.

 

[Pop Daddy]

your such a nice person

 

[Topper]

This is in Southwest Florida, but maybe they can help?
http://www.crowclinic.org/contact.cfm

 

[Talking Hands]

Bless you for caring. I know we have some wild life rehabilitators here in Miami connected with the Museum of Science on Coconut Grove.

 

[Disneymommom]

I don't live in Florida but I'd say try animal control and then I was also thinking maybe Disney's Land and Seas. They have rescued manatees and things like that, maybe they would take that poor crane and doctor it up and put it in a safe area there in land and seas and take care of it.

Some alligator probably bit the poor crane's leg off. I'll be checking back for the resolution. Please post when you've saved that crane.

You are a wonderful person!

 

[Virgo10]

I still haven't heard anything from the people in town. I really don't want to contact animal control because I believe the bird would have a better chance with a rescue group.

It's managed to survive for at least 3 days in that area. There's a water supply and plenty of grass. They eat just about anything from seeds to small animals, grubs to mice. The area is surrounded by a fence so the only way anything could get in to hurt it is by flying there.

This is just a bad time for getting a quick call back. Besides being a Sunday, it's also Father's Day. I told both the people I called where the bird was and, where they're local, they will know how to find it. If I don't hear from them today, I'll try them again tomorrow.

 

[Serena]

It sounds like you've done all you can do, but I can imagine how you feel. It should be ok until tomorrow.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Try calling Gatorland, they may know of someone...

Phone: 407.855.5496
Toll Free: 800.393.JAWS

 

[Disneymommom]

I still haven't heard anything from the people in town. I really don't want to contact animal control because I believe the bird would have a better chance with a rescue group.

It's managed to survive for at least 3 days in that area. There's a water supply and plenty of grass. They eat just about anything from seeds to small animals, grubs to mice. The area is surrounded by a fence so the only way anything could get in to hurt it is by flying there.

This is just a bad time for getting a quick call back. Besides being a Sunday, it's also Father's Day. I told both the people I called where the bird was and, where they're local, they will know how to find it. If I don't hear from them today, I'll try them again tomorrow.

That's great, you've done all you can and as long as there is a good food supply and water that should be what it needs and it sounds like the wound has healed as its not bleeding. So let's hope if not today, tomorrow. Post when that bird is rescued, I really care. Thanks!

 

[Virgo10]

Try calling Gatorland, they may know of someone...

Phone: 407.855.5496
Toll Free: 800.393.JAWS

I did call a bunch of places this morning. The trouble is that there seems to be a network of people who do this type of thing and you get referred back to the same rescuers by all the different organizations. One of the people here in town was the main referral by three different groups.

I'm going to check and see if the crane is still there tomorrow. I mean it had to have flown into that area injured. I don't think there are any gators in that retention pond and the injury looks pretty well healed. If he/she is still there, I'll start calling some of the places suggested on this thread.

 

[FSUGrad97]

I know you said you didn't want to call animal control, but they might have contact numbers for the fish and wildlife office.

Due to the varied animal populations in Florida, they probably have gotten calls like this before and can either handle it or get the info to the right people.

ETA: Here's the site for the Fish and Wildlife Commision for your area:
http://myfwc.com/Regions/Region_Southwest.htm

 

[floridafam]

Subscribing.

I hope someone calls you back. My first thought was animal control. Those Sandhill cranes are just beautiful.

 

[Sherri]

I hope he feels better. Keep us updated. I'm glad you are looking out for him or her.

 

[Virgo10]

I just heard back from one of the rescue people. Because the pond belongs to the town, the animal control people have to be the ones to go in and get the crane. The pond is surrounded by a fence with a locked gate.

She told me to tell them to bring the bird to her house once they get it. She also said that despite its injury, as long as it can fly, it most likely will do OK.

So we'll see what tomorrow brings.

 

[pigletliz]

Thanks for keeping us posted

 

[Virgo10]

This is getting to be like a soap opera. This morning I checked to see if the crane was still at Wal Mart and it was. So I called the town hall and told them the story. They assured me that the retention pond belonged to WM, not the town. They then put me in touch with another town worker who has dealt with animal rescue and he said that you need a license to rescue endangered animals. The sandhill crane is on the endangered species list.

He told me to call the woman I had already talked to last night and when I explained that I had and that she couldn't get into the area, he volunteered to go to WM himself and talk to the manager.

So, with any luck, the woman who is licensed to do these rescues will be able to get in to the retention pond space, capture the crane and have it checked out. It may be that the crane is fine and just likes being near Wal Mart but it would be nice to know if it's hurt or well. If it does have some medical problems, they could get it some help.

I asked the guy who works for the town to keep me updated so I'll post again if I hear anything new.