THEODORE, Ala. — Nothing about the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster has seemed to touch folks so deeply as the many photographs of brown pelicans and other creatures covered in dark sludge. The images sparked a national outrage, and placed British Petroleum square in the bullseye of that growing anger.

There is hope for some of the birds and other animals coated with Louisiana sweet crude, however. The Theodore Oiled Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was established to care for creatures exposed to oil.

Michelle Bellizzi of the International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRC), who is serving as rehabilitation and facilities manager there under contract with Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, pointed out she has to separate her emotions from the job so she can more effectively treat the wildlife that needs their help.

“I care passionately about these animals,” she said. I only get involved with the birds as a concept. I don’t get involved with them on an individual basis.”

And care is what they receive. Bellizzi said when oiled wildlife is brought to Theodore or similar facilities set up along the Gulf Coast, they receive a full physical examination which includes determining blood values and weight, along with a careful survey of how extensively they are oiled.

Many of the birds the Theodore facility treats arrive dehydrated, so they typically are given intravenous fluids and oral hydration.

They are then moved to a warm, quiet stabilization area where they can rest. Once they are medically ready, they are taken to another section of the center where they are washed.

Bellizzi and others use a solution made with Dawn dishwashing liquid to remove the oil. It takes up to an hour to clean a brown pelican or other large bird, and up to 300 gallons of warm water are used with each washing. As many as 60 birds per day can be washed there.

Cleaned birds are placed in one of several recovery aviaries, with each containing a pool and plenty of room to preen and eat. Once they are determined to be healthy, they are banded with identification tags and released in areas far from the oil.

For the full story, pick up a copy of the July 7 Fairhope Courier.