From Abu Dhabi's swampy wetlands emerges a tale of resilience and bravery involving ten injured flamingoes and their human saviors who came to their rescue following a terrifying night of unprecedented stormy weather. It all began when a fierce storm struck the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by torrential rains and hail the size of balls. With no humans around, it was the flamingoes that bore the brunt of these unexpected weather conditions.
In a video shared by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, rescuers recounted the severity of the hailstorm that left holes in the sand, becoming the primary cause of the flamingoes' demise. When the team returned to the reserve at dawn, they were heartbroken to see dead and injured flamingoes scattered across the sandy area. Many had sustained injuries to their heads, wings, and delicate legs.
However, a remarkable sight greeted them — the chicks had survived the storm. The babies were found alive beneath the bodies of the older flamingoes, who had shielded them throughout the stormy night, sacrificing their own lives for the young ones. Most of the injured birds were found near the nesting site, as the adult birds had refused to abandon them. Despite their valiant efforts, most of the nests were destroyed by the hailstorm.
The agency's team quickly called for backup, and everyone sprang into action to save the surviving flamingoes. They collaborated with the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre, whose experienced doctors and staff provided the flamingoes with a new lease on life.
Upon examination, veterinarians discovered that the birds had primarily suffered from fractures and neurological damage. Before proceeding with any major interventions, they began by administering fluids and antibiotics to stabilize the birds.
"It is my 40th year in the zoological industry, and I have never seen anything like this," said a doctor at the centre.
After assessing the situation at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, the team found that the majority of the birds were unharmed. As for the flamingo chicks, the team brought them to the rescue centre as well. The medical team faced a new challenge when it came to unborn chicks — to become their parents. "We monitored the hatching and assisted the chicks in emerging from their eggs. These small birds have lost their parents. Now, we are their parents, we are their mothers. We have to provide them with everything they need," said one of the rescue staff.
After the flamingoes were rescued, they were released back into the reserve, followed by the chicks. On the shores of Al Wathba lake and under the city's sunny skies, the chicks and flamingoes were reunited at their home.
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