Two pelicans, wrapped in twine, rescued north of Lockport this week are highlighting the dangers of trash to wildlife.
One of the birds didn't survive and CTV News has learned that the second pelican also passed away Tuesday evening.
@BethCTV following up on pelican situation, the second pelican has also passed away due to the injuries from the twine incident.
— PWRC (@pwrcentre) May 3, 2016
Carla Scramstad spotted the pelicans near her home in East Selkirk in distress, and decided a rescue was in order.
“The one behind that was being towed, wasn't lifting his head, so I was concerned that he was deceased or going to die,” she said.
Scramstad and her friend Chad Sicinski rushed over with his kayak. Adrenaline pumping, they paddled using the boat to bring the pelicans to shore.
"I was kind of scared because they are big birds. I didn't know if they were going to attack me or what,” he said.
But the pelicans were in no mood to attack, and were badly injured. In all, five people helped in the rescue.
The twine was so badly tangled around the pelicans, the rescue team had to cut it in four different places to free the birds.
Tretiak said littering is to blame for the sad outcome of the majestic Manitoba birds.
“It's something 100 per cent preventable. It's making sure you are cleaning up after yourselves," she said
Tretiak called the rescue team 'wildlife heroes', and said they should be commended for jumping into action.
“I'm glad so far that one made it, but either way, at least they didn't have to die out there together,” said Scramstad
“They're a beautiful bird. I love birds in general,” said Chad Sicinski. “It felt great to help these birds out.”
The rescuers are urging Manitobans to be good citizens and pick up trash, so pelicans can continue to swim free and away from harm.
