Rotary club raises money for pelican rescue
The Rotary Club of Brisbane Water held a high tea in Ettalong on Saturday, November 25, to raise funds for Central Coast Pelican Rescue and Research.
"The Pelican Lady" Ms Wendy Gillespie spoke to the group about her work rescuing up to three sick pelicans a day, with many suffering the affects of neurotoxins in the water and off-leash dog attacks.
"The costs for rehabilitation of each bird can range up to $150 and two weeks of intensive care is needed once debilitation sets in," said club publicity officer Ms Di Bartok.
"This occurs from significant dehydration, paralysis and then organ failure.
"As supporting the environment is now one of Rotary's seven areas of focus, Wendy's efforts to protect a critical component of our ecosystems is more relevant to us than ever.
"Wendy, who is a science graduate with a life-long passion for wildlife, has been the Peninsula's Pelican Lady for the past 13 years.
"Many of you would have seen her feeding flocks of magnificent pelicans at Woy Woy Fisherman's Wharf.
"Her pelican feeding attracts visitors from near and far.
"For Wendy, the feeding gives her the chance to check out the health of the birds and to administer what help she can."
Ms Gillespie told the group: "It is heartbreaking to see some of the injuries the birds sustain from fishing hooks, and even from unbelievable wanton attacks from knife-wielding people doing it for fun."
Ms Bartok said: "As you can imagine, caring for these wonderful creatures takes a lot of money.
"Wendy funds most of the cost from her own pocket and from donations."
SOURCE:
Newsletter, 16 Nov 2023
Di Bartok, Rotary Brisbane Water