Red Book Bird Found Covered in Oil in Mangystau

Workers at the Zhetybai oil field found an exhausted wild bird that could neither fly nor stand. It was identified as a long-legged buzzard, a member of the hawk family listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book, Orda.kz reports.

The workers contacted the Umit Mangistau Public Foundation, which helps birds of prey and species listed in the Red Book.

The foundation immediately contacted environmental organizations and government agencies responsible for wildlife protection to arrange assistance. Oil field workers remained in contact, provided updates on the bird’s condition and helped with the rescue.

Through joint efforts, we quickly arranged for the bird to be transported to Aktau. It was met there and taken to a temporary rehabilitation center for wild birds of prey and Red Book species,the foundation said.

The long-legged buzzard arrived in critical condition. It was severely overheated, exhausted and almost completely covered in oil.

Specialists are now trying to stabilize the bird, lower its body temperature and provide supportive care. Only then will they be able to begin the long and difficult process of cleaning the oil from its feathers and rehabilitating it.

Experts warn that even a small amount of oil on a bird’s feathers can prevent it from flying normally, staying warm and protecting itself from the environment. Without timely assistance, such cases are often fatal.

Original author: Oksana Matviyenko

Read also:

• New Ecology Amendments Spark Dispute In Kazakhstan’s Parliament
• Court Orders Almaty Officials to Disclose Information on Kok-Zhailyau Road Project
• Kazakhstan Extinguishes Four Forest Fires as Heat Continues