The International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) is one of the nation’s leading authorities on oil spill response and wildlife rescue. Based in California, IBRRC has managed the oiled bird rehabilitation efforts in nearly 150 oil spills in 11 states, including the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. Their international work has taken them to seven different countries and two U.S. territories.

The organization’s philosophy is that while we all use oil or petroleum products in some form or another, as a species coexisting on this earth with other life forms, we are responsible for the messes that we make. IBRRC workers and volunteers treat wildlife affected (engulfed?) by oil spills.  They rescue, rehabilitate, and release seabirds, waders, waterfowl, and even small mammals and reptiles.

If you are interested in learning more about what it takes to rescue an oiled bird, or if you’d like to donate to a worthy cause, check this organization out.