Published on
An osprey found at Jetty Park with a double treble fishing hook lodged dangerously close to its eye and talon has been successfully rescued and released back into the wild, thanks to the quick actions of Jetty Park staff, Wild Florida Rescue, and the veterinary team at Eau Gallie Veterinary Hospital.
The rescue began when Lexi, who was working at the front desk at Jetty Park, received a visitor carrying an injured osprey. The bird was in distress—one hook embedded near its eye and the other in its right talon, forcing it into a bent position. Acting quickly, Lexi covered the bird with a rain jacket to keep it calm and contacted Adriane with Wild Florida Rescue (WFR).
Adriane reached out to WFR’s Alice to coordinate emergency care, and Gemma, Practice Manager and Veterinary Technician at Eau Gallie Veterinary Hospital (EGVH), approved a late-night intake. Around 10 p.m., Adriane met with Veterinary Technician Matt at the clinic to begin treatment.
The veterinary team worked carefully, using disinfected bolt cutters and needle-nose pliers to remove the hooks. Remarkably, the osprey’s eye appeared unharmed. Later, Dr. Brickett and Matt sedated the bird using an intranasal induction to remove the remaining barbs safely. Radiographs confirmed no fractures or internal injuries, and the osprey recovered alert and strong following sedation.
After a day of observation, the bird was cleared for release. Tara, Lorraine, and Savanna handled transport and carried out the release, watching as the osprey took flight once again.
“What an incredible effort from so many hands,” Wild Florida Rescue shared. “From the staff at Jetty Park who acted fast, to the veterinary team who gave their time after hours, this could have turned out very differently. This is what it’s all about.”
The osprey’s recovery and release serve as a reminder of the impact that quick thinking and teamwork can have on local wildlife.
