A wave of sick pelicans flooded wildlife care centers on the Central Coast last month.
Wildlife experts struggled to identify the sickness that left the birds dehydrated, emaciated and hypothermic, the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network says.
But things are looking up: many birds have made a recovery and have reentered the wild.
Hundreds of birds were taken in for the sickness at the Goleta-based nonprofit.
On Wednesday, the wildlife care network shared that the first two groups of birds they rescued have been released.
Treatment for the sickness included a focus on fluids, warmth and a diet of fish to help the birds regain their strength. Care for the released birds lasted more than three weeks.
The nonprofit says they are still caring for about 60 pelicans at their facility.
Pacific Wildlife Care Center has also released rehabilitated pelicans into the wild.
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