SPCA Tampa Bay has aided in the rescue of a displaced flamingo that was found struggling in the water off St. Pete Beach this afternoon.
The flamingo was found about 800 yards off Blind Pass by Captain Jeff Brooks and Madeira Beach Commissioner Anne-Marie Brooks. It was swimming away from land and seemed very confused and exhausted. Bobbie Shay Lee, aide to Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott, had organized the boat trip to assess beach erosion after Hurricane Idalia.
“The passion this community has for its animals extends into the ranks of our elected officials. The entire team on that boat jumped into action when they saw this flamingo in distress,” said Martha Boden, Chief Executive Officer of SPCA Tampa Bay.
SPCA Tampa Bay’s wildlife team was ready and available to assist and has set up temporary housing at the For-All animal shelter in Largo to ensure the flamingo would be safe and secure overnight until it can be transferred to a licensed rehabilitator on Saturday.
“This is a great example of what we mean when we say “every animal matters”. Our For All shelter is there for any species who needs our help,” said Boden.
SPCA Tampa Bay is committed to the protection of all animals, including wildlife, and cares for more than 8,000 animals annually at their shelter in Largo. In collaboration with local partners, their team provides medical attention and rehabilitation services for possums, blue jays, squirrels, rabbits, and more animals native to Florida.
For more information on what do to if you find injured or displaced wildlife, visit spcatampabay.org/wildlife-assistance.
For more information on SPCA Tampa Bay, visit spcatampabay.org or call 727-586-3591.
About SPCA Tampa Bay: A For-All shelter and pet hospital that transforms the lives of animals through passionate collaboration with the community. It is the only non-profit animal welfare agency that accepts all animals regardless of size, breed, species or situation in Pinellas County. Founded in 1940, SPCA Tampa Bay has cared for thousands of homeless, surrendered, and injured animals. For more information, visit spcatampabay.org.
There has been multiple reports of flamingos across parts of Pinellas County. They arrived along with the winds from Hurricane Idalia.