Rescue and Treatment of Oiled Animals

Based on our ongoing research and experience gained from responding to over 75 spill events, the OWCN has developed the following process for rescuing and treating animals.  Each of these steps is vital to the successful recovery of oil-affected wildlife.

1. Search and Collection

Extensively trained OWCN staff search for and collect both live and dead oiled wildlife in affected habitats. Animals are either stabilized in the field or immediately transported to the nearest OWCN facility.

2. Intake

Upon arrival, animals are given a full physical examination, including the degree of oiling. A feather/hair sample and photograph are collected, and a full medical record is started.

3. Pre-Wash Stabilization

Animals are warmed, as well as fed and hydrated up to 8 times per day. Once individuals have rested (typically at least 48 hrs after intake) and are medically stable, they move on to wash.

4. Cleaning

Animals are washed in a series of tubs filled with a mixture of a dilute cleaning agent and hot, softened water using specific cleaning protocols. Animals are then rinsed and, once clean, placed in drying pens. Washing and rinsing can take more than an hour per bird and several hours per otter.

5. Pre-Release Conditioning

Animals are placed in outdoor pools or species-appropriate housing where they groom their feathers or haircoat to restore waterproofing. This process can take as few as 3 – 5 days, or several months if injuries are present.

6. Release

Prior to release, animals are evaluated for waterproofing, and the presence of a normal physical exam and species-appropriate behavior. If an animal is normal, permanent identification bands or tags are attached and it is released back into a clean habitat.

7. Post-Release Assessment

Should the spill warrant further follow-up, the OWCN can also perform a post-release survival study. This often entails attaching radiotelemetry devices developed specifically for the species of interest to monitor the survival and movement of the released animal.