A trapped corella in Australia got a second chance after an arborist freed the bird from a thin branch high above the ground.
What started as a dangerous tangle of string became a reminder of how one person's skills can make an immediate difference for local wildlife.
Here's what to know
WIRES Wildlife Rescue (@wireswildliferescue) said in an Instagram post that the bird had been stuck high in the tree for at least five hours, and possibly longer, after string wound around its talons, one leg, and the branch where it was perched.
Because the corella was sitting about 30 feet (9 meters) above the ground and 16 feet (5 meters) from the trunk, rescuers said the branch was too thin to safely support a standard rescue attempt, so they called in a local arborist named Mohammed (@your.local.arborist).
"A huge thank you to Mohammed who generously provided his services free of charge and helped make this rescue possible," they wrote. "Without his help, we feared this corella may not have had much time left."
People in the comments quickly celebrated the effort.
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"What a legend!" one commenter wrote.
Another added, "Thanks so much Mohammed."
More background
The danger is especially serious for wildlife that perch, nest, forage, or hunt in urban and suburban areas, where discarded fishing line, twine, and other debris can easily snag feet, wings, or beaks. Once trapped, an animal can suffer injuries, become dehydrated, or grow more vulnerable to predators.
Using the incident as a warning, the post stated, "A small piece of string can become a life-threatening trap for wildlife."
It also noted, "Whilst we like rescued animals to receive a vet check prior to release, as you can see, it wasn't possible on this occasion."
Afterward, the post said, "The corella was successfully released following the rescue."
What can be done?
Careful disposal of string, twine, and fishing line can help prevent situations like this. Small habits can make a meaningful difference, especially in parks, near waterways, and around trees where birds and other animals can become tangled.
"Please remember to take your rubbish with you, and always cut up or safely dispose of fishing line and string," the post wrote.
That kind of prevention will not eliminate every wildlife emergency, but it can reduce the risk of avoidable injuries.
People who want to make a wider impact in their communities can also support cleanup efforts, wildlife rescue groups, or community education.
Sometimes the safest response isn't a risky DIY attempt, but calling someone with the equipment and experience to help.
Where can I learn more?
This is one of many cases involving birds endangered by discarded line and other debris. In these articles, responders, wildlife experts, and rescuers confront entanglements, tree-top emergencies, and other preventable dangers.
• Firefighters staged a daring heron rescue after spotting the bird high in a tree.
• In Jacksonville, experts made a heartbreaking tree-top discovery tied to discarded fishing line.
• In Delhi, two brothers have rescued thousands of birds hurt by dangerous kite strings.
• Park rangers found a tern tangled in plastic after it refused to leave a boat.
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