Rescuing Animals From Oil Spills: A Step-By-Step Guide

Oil spills are a major threat to wildlife, with even small spills having the potential to cause significant harm. Animals affected by oil pollution require specialist care to survive. Oil spills can impact animals in two ways: through physical contact with oil, and through toxic contamination. Fur-bearing mammals and birds are particularly vulnerable to oil spills, as their fur and feathers can be coated, reducing their ability to maintain body temperature and causing hypothermia. Oil can also cause skin and eye irritation, and if ingested, can damage the intestinal tract, leading to reduced growth, enlarged livers, and impaired reproduction. Seabirds, sea otters, seals, whales, dolphins, and fish are among the most affected by oil spills, with ingestion of oil or inhalation of oil droplets causing serious health issues and even death.

Cleaning oiled animals

The cleaning process for oiled animals is a complex and challenging task, as it requires expertise and care to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected creatures. Here is a detailed guide on the steps taken to rescue and rehabilitate animals impacted by oil pollution:

Initial Assessment and Stabilisation

When oiled animals are discovered, it is crucial to stabilise them before attempting any cleaning. This involves addressing their immediate medical needs, such as treating injuries, providing pain medication, and ensuring they are hydrated. Oiled birds, in particular, often suffer from hypo- or hyperthermia, dehydration, and exhaustion. Therefore, they need to be stabilised before any cleaning attempts to increase their chances of survival.

Cleaning Agents and Techniques

The choice of cleaning agent is essential for effectively removing oil from animals' fur or feathers. "Dawn" dishwashing liquid has been widely used and recommended due to its ability to remove most oils, gentleness on animal skin and feathers, and ease of access. The concentration of soap and water may be adjusted based on the type and extent of oil contamination. In some cases, a pre-treatment technique may be necessary before the wash. Additionally, the washing process should be as stress-free as possible for the animal, and it is ideal to wash them only once as it is a stressful yet necessary process for their survival.

Washing Process

The washing process involves soaking and scrubbing the affected animal in a solution of soap and water. The water temperature and duration of washing may vary depending on the specific situation. For example, washing with hot water and detergent is often an effective method. It is important to note that the washing process can be time-consuming, especially for heavily oiled animals, and it may take multiple washes to fully remove the oil.

Post-Washing Care

After the initial wash, it is crucial to ensure that the animal's fur or feathers are properly aligned to restore their natural waterproofing abilities. Birds, for instance, need to preen their feathers to distribute natural oils and create a tight waterproof barrier. Additionally, it is essential to monitor the animal's health and provide any necessary medical treatments, such as antibiotics, to prevent secondary infections or address internal issues caused by oil ingestion.

Rehabilitation and Release

Following the cleaning and rehabilitation process, which can take several days to weeks, the rescued animals are released back into the wild. Ideally, they are released into clean and oil-free areas, often chosen by wildlife experts and federal agencies. These areas are as close as possible to their original habitats, allowing them to return to their natural environments.

The entire process of cleaning oiled animals is a delicate and specialised task, requiring the expertise of veterinarians and wildlife specialists. It is important to note that the specific steps and techniques may vary depending on the type of animal, the extent of oil contamination, and the unique circumstances of each rescue situation.

Rehabilitating affected wildlife

The rehabilitation of wildlife affected by oil spills is a complex and challenging process. It involves specialised knowledge and techniques to ensure the safe and effective recovery of the animals. Here are some key steps and considerations in the rehabilitation process:

Initial response and capture

When an oil spill occurs, it is crucial to act quickly to minimise the impact on wildlife. In most cases, untrained individuals should not attempt to capture affected animals. Instead, trained specialists and veterinarians are equipped to handle and treat oiled wildlife. These experts know how to safely capture and transport the animals to rehabilitation centres.

Cleaning and decontamination

The primary goal of rehabilitation is to remove oil from the animals' bodies, especially their fur or feathers. This process can vary depending on the species and the extent of oil contamination. For birds, cleaning may involve using mild detergents and warm water to gently wash away the oil while taking care not to damage their feathers further. For mammals, rehabilitation may include carefully clipping or shaving oiled fur and cleaning the skin underneath.

Medical treatment

Oil ingestion or inhalation can cause serious health issues in animals, including poisoning, digestive problems, and respiratory difficulties. Rehabilitators will assess the animals' health and provide veterinary care as needed. This may include administering medications, providing supportive care, and treating any injuries or infections caused by the oil.

Stabilisation and recovery

After the initial cleaning and medical treatment, the focus shifts to helping the animals recover and stabilise. This may involve providing a safe and comfortable environment, ensuring proper nutrition, and monitoring their health closely. Some animals may require extended care until they are strong enough to survive on their own.

Release back into the wild

The ultimate goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to release the animals back into their natural habitat. However, this must be done carefully and at the appropriate time. Rehabilitators will assess the animals' health, behaviour, and ability to survive in the wild before determining the best location and timing for release. In some cases, the release may occur in a different area if the original habitat is still contaminated or unsuitable for the animals' survival.

Long-term monitoring

Even after the animals are released, rehabilitation experts may continue to monitor their health and behaviour. This helps ensure that the rehabilitation process was successful and that the animals can thrive in their natural environment. Long-term monitoring can also provide valuable data to improve future rehabilitation efforts and better understand the impact of oil spills on wildlife.

Removing oil from birds' feathers

Oil spills can have devastating consequences for birds, as the oil destroys the water-repellent quality of their feathers, leaving them susceptible to harsh weather conditions. Oil spills also affect birds' ability to float on water, fly, and maintain their body temperature.

The process of removing oil from birds' feathers must be handled with care, as the stress of the wash can be life-threatening to the bird. Before attempting to clean the feathers, it is crucial to ensure the bird is healthy enough to withstand the cleaning process. This involves providing the bird with proper nutrition, hydration, and medical treatment. Once the bird is in a stable condition, trained professionals can proceed with the following steps:

• Washing with detergent: The bird is washed using a low concentration of Dawn dishwashing liquid in clean water. Dawn has been found to be effective in removing most oils, gentle on the skin and eyes, and easily accessible.
• Rinsing: After washing, a thorough rinse is crucial to remove all traces of detergent from the feathers. Specially-designed spa nozzles are used to ensure the complete removal of detergent, as any residue can impair the natural waterproofing process.
• Drying and preening: The bird is then placed in a protective pen with a soft bottom and provided with modified commercial pet grooming dryers. As the bird dries, it will begin to preen its feathers back into place, restoring the natural waterproof seal.
• Warm water therapy: Once the bird is completely dry, it is placed in a warm water therapy pool to continue preening and bathing. Trained personnel monitor the bird's progress, including its floating and swimming ability, general alertness, and waterproofing.
• Graduation to cold water: The bird is gradually introduced to cold water pools, allowing it to regain its full waterproofing capabilities.
• Nutrition and rest: Throughout the waterproofing process, the bird receives continuous nutritional support, as it may be too preoccupied with preening to eat enough. After achieving full waterproofing, the bird is given time to rest and nourish itself before being considered for release.
• Medical treatment: Any injuries or medical issues, such as chemical burns or wounds, are addressed and treated appropriately during the rehabilitation process.

It is important to note that the bird should only be released once it is completely stable, healthy, and its waterproofing is flawless. It is also essential to release the bird in an area unaffected by oil and approved by the appropriate authorities.

Treating poisoned animals

Initial Response

• Do not induce vomiting or use activated charcoal, as this may worsen the animal's condition.
• Act quickly and seek veterinary treatment immediately. Call your veterinarian or a 24/7 animal poison control center for advice.
• Remove the animal from exposure to stop further ingestion or inhalation of the oil.
• Wash off any oil on the animal's fur or skin with mild soap, detergent, or dishwashing detergent and copious amounts of cool water. Avoid brushing or abrading the skin.
• Take the oil product with you to the veterinary clinic for identification and treatment purposes.

Veterinary Treatment

• Blood work will be performed to assess the impact on the animal's organs, such as the liver and kidneys.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids may be administered for hydration, especially if there are chemical burns in the mouth or throat.
• A soft diet or feeding tube may be necessary if swallowing is difficult or chemical burns are present.
• Medications such as anti-vomiting drugs, stomach protectants, painkillers, antibiotics, and liver-protecting medications may be prescribed.
• Supplemental oxygen and positive-pressure ventilation may be required for respiratory support, but caution must be exercised due to potential lung damage.
• Broad-spectrum antimicrobials may be needed if there is a risk of bacterial respiratory infection from aspirated stomach contents.
• Supportive therapy is crucial for assisting with breathing and mitigating gastrointestinal dysfunction.
• Tube feeding may be necessary to ensure proper nutrition and to prevent aspiration.

Prognosis and Prevention

The prognosis depends on the type of oil, the animal species, the extent of exposure, and the duration of contact. Some oils are more toxic than others, and certain animals may be more susceptible to poisoning. Prevention is always better than cure, so proper storage and handling of oil products are essential to minimize the risk of poisoning in animals.

Returning animals to the wild

Rehabilitation and Care

The first step is to stabilise the affected animals and provide them with immediate care. This involves removing oil from their bodies, treating injuries, and addressing any health issues caused by oil ingestion or inhalation. Specialist veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators are equipped with the knowledge and resources to clean oiled animals effectively. This process may include washing affected animals with specific solutions or techniques to remove oil without causing further harm.

Health Monitoring and Treatment

During the rehabilitation process, continuous health monitoring is crucial. Animals affected by oil pollution often suffer from respiratory issues, digestive problems, liver and kidney damage, and other internal complications. Treating these issues and ensuring the animals' overall health is vital before considering their release. Some animals may require extended care and treatment, especially if they have suffered from oil poisoning or other severe conditions.

Habitat Restoration

Before returning the animals to their natural habitats, it is essential to assess and restore the affected environments. Oil pollution can contaminate habitats, making them unsafe for the animals' survival. This includes cleaning up oil residues, restoring vegetation, and ensuring the availability of food sources and shelter. The timing of the release is also crucial, as releasing animals during sensitive periods such as breeding or migration seasons can impact their chances of survival.

Gradual Reintroduction

Reintroducing animals to the wild should be done gradually to ensure their successful adaptation. Soft releases, where animals are initially released into enclosed areas resembling their natural habitats, can help them readjust to their surroundings. This allows them to regain their natural instincts and behaviours while still having access to supplemental food and care if needed. A slow transition can improve their chances of survival and reduce stress associated with sudden release.

Post-Release Monitoring

Monitoring the animals' health and behaviour after their release is an important step to gauge the success of the rehabilitation process. This can involve tracking the animals, observing their movements, and assessing their ability to find food, interact with their environment, and exhibit natural behaviours. Post-release monitoring also helps identify any long-term effects of oil pollution on the animals and their ecosystems, providing valuable data for future conservation efforts.

Community Education and Support

Involving local communities and educating them about the impacts of oil pollution on wildlife can foster a sense of stewardship and encourage proactive measures to prevent future incidents. Communities can play a vital role in reporting affected animals, providing support during rehabilitation, and contributing to habitat restoration efforts. Collaboration between experts, local residents, and organisations is key to ensuring the long-term well-being of rescued animals and their ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions