Great blue heron released back into the wild after recovery

A Vancouver Island wildlife rescue centre was able to help a great blue heron return to the wild, after his recovery.

The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington says when they took the large bird in, he could barely stand up. However, by the second day, he was on the mend and eating all the fish they could supply.

Herons are high-stress and fragile, requiring cautious care in captivity, and the centre only admits a few each year.

After the heron was on his feet for a week and was able to complete a flight test, the centre released him back to the wild this past week.

To see a video of the release, visit the recovery centre’s Facebook page.