The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens is currently rehabilitating a seabird called the Magnificent Frigatebird that was displaced by the Valentine’s Day 2021 winter storm that affected most of the state.

A Good Samaritan found the seabird in El Paso and brought it to Zoo veterinary staff on Monday, February 15. Chief Veterinarian Dr. Victoria Milne and the veterinary team were able to do a thorough exam and radiographs on the female Frigatebird under anesthesia, and confirmed that she had no broken bones or injuries, but was exhausted and very hungry.

“This was an unexpected event,” said El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano. We normally administer treatment and triage injured birds of prey that are brought to us before they go to one of the rehabilitation centers, but up until now they have all been local. I guess this Magnificent Frigatebird heard the Zoo reopened last week and just couldn’t wait to visit.”

The Frigatebird is currently receiving care and plenty of fish at the El Paso Zoo until she has recovered from her accidental desert voyage and is ready to embark on her long journey again. The ultimate goal is to get her to a rehabilitation center in the Florida Keys as Frigatebirds are currently in this area and not back along the Texas coast until April.”

Photos

Top-Andy Morffew, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Cover and Bottom-Adam, Wikimedia Creative Commons