TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM’S CENTER FOR WILDLIFE RESCUE ADMITS EIGHT HURRICANE-EVACUATED BIRDS FROM HOUSTON
July 16, 2024
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Within days of notification, Texas State Aquarium’s Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue received eight Mississippi Kite fledglings into its Bird Intensive Care Unit after Hurricane Beryl left the Houston area and its local wildlife with significant damage.
Over the weekend, Texas State Aquarium officials received notice from Houston’s Wildlife Center of Texas regarding the need to intake injured birds due to reaching capacity. The Mississippi Kite fledglings were admitted into the rescue program and will remain under the careful evaluation of the Wildlife Rescue Team. The birds are being hand-fed twice a day and monitored closely in the Bird Intensive Care Unit.
“We are committed to providing the best care possible for these young birds, ensuring their health and strength as they recover,” said Jesse Gilbert, President and CEO at Texas State Aquarium. “Our Wildlife Rescue Center has been on standby and ready to respond to injured wildlife. Our program is designed to respond to large-scale events like this, and we are ready to intake more if the need arises.”
The rehabilitation process includes rigorous monitoring and hand-feedings to ensure the fledglings grow stronger each day. Once they reach the appropriate stage, these Mississippi Kites will undergo live prey tests. This assessment will ensure they can catch food independently, preparing them for release back into their natural habitat just in time for the fall migration.
Mississippi Kites are hawk-like raptors known for their impressive migratory patterns. Typically seen in large concentrations in Mexico and Texas, these birds winter in South America. They can range from 12-14 inches in length with a wingspan of up to three feet.
Support our efforts to care for these resilient birds by texting “RESCUE” to 501501 to make a donation. To learn more about the Center for Wildlife Rescue and our conservation efforts, please visit texasstateaquarium.org/wildlife-rescue.
The Aquarium admitted these fledglings as part of their emergency response to large-scale wildlife disasters. Due to avian influenza, the Rescue Center is currently not accepting avian patients.
