HWC received a call from a volunteer around 12:30PM on May 2, 2014 to report a distressed seabird that was picked up about a quarter mile off the Kailua-Kona Pier and brought to shore. Upon intake, the bird was clearly oiled; soiled, disheveled, and with 100% coverage by a brown substance. A petroleum smell also pervaded the intake room and HWC President and Center Director Linda Elliott, having 20 years of oiled wildlife experience, determined the substance covering the bird to be diesel. After the bird’s initial intake exam, it was also determined to be dehydrated and experiencing moderate hypothermia. The bird was given fluids and placed in kennel with a custom-built net bottom and a heat source while staff worked to get the patient stable. The bird received weeks of care and was decontaminated, but ultimately expired due to secondary complications.

Oiled wildlife response requires extensive experience, wildlife response and rehabilitation permits and the appropriate safety training and certifications. This ensures that wildlife is handled appropriately and safely, that all necessary documentation and evidence is collected, and that protocols are followed and appropriate agencies are notified. Oiled wildlife response is also very expensive because anything that the oiled bird touches becomes classified as hazardous and cannot be washed and reused for normal patients.