Five Rescued Pelicans Take Flight Again off Miami Beach

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station releases rehabilitated birds back into the wild

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:38am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a flock of pelicans in flight, captured in soft, hazy pools of warm, golden light and color, conveying the sense of freedom and renewal as the birds return to their natural coastal habitat.The release of five rehabilitated pelicans back into the wild off Miami Beach marks an important milestone for local wildlife conservation efforts.Today in Miami

Five rehabilitated pelicans were released back into the wild from Miami Beach this week, marking a first-of-its-kind group release for Pelican Harbor Seabird Station. Four birds recovered from fishing-hook injuries and one from respiratory illness, drawing local community members to watch them return to Miami's coastal ecosystem.

Why it matters

The release of the five pelicans highlights the important work of wildlife rehabilitation organizations like Pelican Harbor Seabird Station in caring for injured and sick birds and reintegrating them back into their natural habitats. It also showcases the community's interest and investment in protecting local wildlife and the coastal environment.

The details

The five pelicans were rehabilitated at Pelican Harbor Seabird Station after suffering various injuries and illnesses. Four of the birds had recovered from fishing-hook injuries, while one had been treated for a respiratory illness. After their rehabilitation, the pelicans were released back into the wild off the shores of Miami Beach, drawing a crowd of local residents to witness the birds take flight again.

  • The pelicans were released back into the wild this week.

The players

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station

A wildlife rehabilitation organization that cares for injured and sick birds in the Miami area and works to reintegrate them back into their natural habitats.

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The takeaway

The successful release of the five pelicans highlights the important role that wildlife rehabilitation organizations play in protecting local ecosystems and the community's interest in supporting these efforts to care for and conserve native wildlife.