IDF Soldiers Save Pelican Wounded by Gunshot in Lebanon

IDF soldiers stationed at Israel’s northern border with Lebanon are known for their commitment to protecting the nation under challenging conditions. But amid the tense landscape, they recently took on a very different mission: rescuing an injured pelican, a large migratory bird that had been shot while flying from Lebanon.

The white pelican, with its impressive 10-foot wingspan, is the largest bird in Israel. When soldiers noticed the wounded bird unable to fly, they quickly reached out to Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority. The pelican was transported to the wildlife rehabilitation center at KKL-JNF’s Hula Lake, where a team led by Dr. Rona Nadler Valensi, the center’s director, took over.

“A young pelican, only a few months old, arrived, and an X-ray revealed a broken wing,” said Dr. Nadler. “It was likely shot during its flight from Lebanon.” The veterinary team believes the injury was caused by poachers in Lebanon, not as a result of any military conflict. Fortunately, the fracture was straightforward to treat, and after a period of care, the pelican was successfully released back into the wild near the Hula River.

This rescue mission is one of many carried out by IDF troops, who have responded to similar animal rescue calls even as the ground war in Gaza continues. Recently, soldiers have rescued a range of animals, including cats, dogs, and exotic birds like parrots and owls, often found in desperate conditions amid the conflict zones. One remarkable rescue involved IDF sailors who provided sanctuary to an injured owl that landed on their vessel, feeding it and fashioning a temporary shelter.

But perhaps the most extraordinary rescue mission is still unfolding: saving a malnourished lion from a Gaza zoo. As IDF soldiers and local veterinarians work together to give the lion a chance at recovery, this act of compassion highlights the ongoing efforts to help animals affected by the chaos of war.

While the primary duty of IDF soldiers is to protect the people of Israel, their dedication to preserving life often extends to animals caught in conflict zones. From pelicans to parrots to lions, their acts of kindness exemplify a commitment to safeguarding all lives, even in the most challenging times.

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