Warning: Includes graphic wound photos
At the shelter, injured & needing avian vet care
Somebody used beautiful, gentle Lilo for their cruel hobby of pigeon racing. He was flying his heart out hundreds of miles trying to get back home when the hungry hawk hit him. The shock and pain and terror overwhelmed him. Sharp talons ripped into his leg and side and he struggled and flesh tore and miraculously, Lilo got away. Badly injured, he fell to the ground, still doomed except for another miracle: a nice person scooped him up and took him to the local open door shelter. The shelter took him in but, without avian vet care, he was still doomed.
PRO TIP: Please study Lilo’s photo above. Could you tell from seeing him that he is seriously wounded? We have a saying at Palomacy: Feathers hide a lot! Please, if you rescue a bird, always connect with an expert for assistance.
I love this photo by Michael Milicia of a Piping Plover parent brooding three chicks to illustrate how feathers can hide so much! (used with permission)
Upon examining Lilo, shelter staff found this wound.
First glimpse of the wound
Shelter staff reached out to us for help on March 4th and Lilo was picked up by a volunteer and emergency transported 50 miles to Medical Center for Birds where, despite being booked solid, they said yes to helping him.
Together, you- Palomacy volunteers and donors and partners- saved Lilo.
Warning: graphic wound photos below
At Medical Center for Birds, the vet’s exam revealed the true extent of Lilo’s wound.
3/5 Vet exam reveals extent of Lilo’s wound
3/7 Damaged tissue declaring itself
First sedated wound cleaning & stitches
3/11 Dead tissue removed during second sedated debrieding
3/11 Cleaned wound protected by Duoderm
3/11 Lilo back in his tank post procedure
He was hospitalized for eleven days while his wounds were treated, debrieded and healed. Palomacy donors made his life-saving care possible, paying the $2100 it took to put little Lilo back together.
3/15 Lilo’s ready for discharge
3/15 Healing, continuing with antibiotics & topical treatment & regrowing feathers
On March 15th, when he was ready for discharge, Lilo was volunteer-transported 90 miles to his special medical foster home for continuing aftercare. And, thanks to all of us working together, Lilo is safe!
Lilo’s first day at his foster home
3/21 Having some cage free time in the bathroom
3/22 Healing up beautifully
3/26 Recreation time, first bath& loving the sunshine
Click to See Lilo’s Happy Flappies Celebration
Lilo’s all done with his medicine, doing great with his foster family, regaining strength and his ability to fly. His foster mom Jessica says, “He’s perfect! I really do love him. Super chill, loves to eat and hang out, easy to catch. Perfect representation of a pigeon.”
Bird by bird, together, we are making the life-saving difference these innocent pigeons and doves desperately need.
Apply to adopt rescued pigeons or doves
Please help Palomacy help birds with a recurring donation.
What to do if you find a pigeon or dove who needs help
