A tiny pigeon has made a remarkable recovery after being badly injured by a predator.
What happened?
Coppy the pigeon was brought to the Wildlife Aid Foundation (@wildlifeaid) in Surrey, England, after being discovered in the aftermath of an attack.
"He had a large, painful wound spreading across his head and neck," the group wrote on Instagram. "Amazingly, somehow, he was still breathing."
One week later, after much care, Coppy was "like a completely different pigeon," Wildlife Aid said.
"He's so much brighter, happier, and full of life," the rescue center said. "We'd even go as far as saying he's become quite the feisty little character!"
"Aww wee sweetheart, he is so cute," one commenter said.
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"Get well soon little one," another added.
Why does it matter?
Urban birds like pigeons face major survival challenges, such as window collisions, domestic cat attacks, and vehicle strikes. They are sometimes overlooked for how many threats they face on a regular basis.
When suffering from delicate injuries like a wound to the head and neck, as Coppy was, birds require immediate and gentle help to recover, according to the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education.
What's being done?
The rescue reflects the role wildlife rehabilitation groups play in their communities. Most people who encounter an injured bird do not have the training, equipment, or medications needed to handle severe trauma safely.
If you find an injured wild bird, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, rescue center, or veterinarian right away. Fast advice is often just as important as fast transport.
It is also generally best to keep the animal in a quiet, dark, ventilated box while waiting for help. Limiting handling can reduce stress, which is especially important for small birds that are already weak or frightened.
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