wildlife-response-veterinarian-evaluating-a-brown-pelican's-wing
Dr. Erica Miller conducts a physical examination on a brown pelican that is potentially ready for release. During the release physicals, the rehabilitators would evaluate for full range of motion in all of the joints, the feather condition, parasites, and wounds or sores that were often self-inflicted on their wrists from running into the cage walls. Each bird had to pass the exam in good health prior to being approved for release in order to prevent any disadvantages to their survival in the wild.