Arvy is one of the Brown Pelicans in the Waterbirds habitat at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. Arvy’s survival story made headlines nationwide when she was rescued in 2021. Arvy was found in the icy Connecticut River, likely blown off-course during migration. It was clear Arvy’s best chance at survival would be at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, so she was flown to our rehabilitation center where she was treated for pneumonia and frostbite.
Arvy underwent multiple surgeries to treat the frostbite that resulted in her losing about 30% of both feet. Because of the severity of her injuries, Arvy was deemed non-releasable.
Brown Pelicans can be found all along Florida’s coast. The species has come a long way, once endangered in the 1960s and 1970s due to pesticide pollution. Brown Pelicans feed by plunge-diving from as high as 65 feet, using the force of impact to stun small fish before scooping them up.
