Back at the end of August, a pigeon was brought to our Sandra J. Goodspeed Wildlife Center by a Good Samaritan. The bird had survived an attack by a wild animal and had multiple puncture wounds across its body.
The injured pigeon was alert, but his prognosis was uncertain. These types of bites can lead to infection if untreated, so immediate intervention was critical.
Our veterinary team jumped into action. They started fluids to treat dehydration, administered pain relief, and began a course of antibiotics.
The pigeon’s wounds were carefully flushed and cleaned. Large patches of missing feathers left raw skin exposed, so the team applied protective dressings to support healing.
For the first week, the pigeon required daily bandage changes and wound care. As he began healing, treatments shifted to topical ointments that kept the wounds clean and encouraged tissue repair.
He remained on antibiotics for two weeks and showed steady improvement, maintaining his weight and appetite throughout. By early September, the injured pigeon had turned a corner— new pinfeathers were growing in, and his internal systems appeared stable.
By mid-September, all the pigeon’s major wounds had closed and his feathers continued growing. He was soon moved into an outdoor aviary with another recovering pigeon. There, he could stretch his wings, rebuild muscle, and adjust once again to fresh air, natural light, and weather.
He stayed in the outdoor aviary for several more weeks, allowing his wounds to fully heal and feathers to finish growing in. Finally, he was healthy enough for release near the location where he was found in Pasadena.
Thanks to the skill and dedication of our veterinary team and wildlife technicians, this pigeon made a remarkable recovery. His journey is just one of nearly 2,000 orphaned, sick or injured wild animals Pasadena Humane has cared for already this year.
Of course, we can’t do it alone. Every successful release — like that resilient pigeon — depends on community support. Whether it’s a Good Samaritan who brings in an injured animal, a donor who contributes to medical care, or a volunteer who helps run our Wildlife Helpline, it truly takes all of us working together.
That spirit of community is at the heart of Wildlife Day, an annual celebration of local wildlife returning this Sunday, October 12 from 11am to 3pm at Pasadena Humane. I’m thrilled to welcome everyone to our campus for the third year of this family-friendly event, generously sponsored by Bob and Carol McCrary.
The day will be filled with opportunities to learn and connect. Local experts from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Chaney Trail Corridor Project, and the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians will share insights on topics from post-fire recovery to living alongside bears and native science.
Children can enjoy hands-on fun by designing wildlife masks, creating seed bombs, and testing how their wingspan compares to local birds. Families can browse a marketplace with nature-inspired art, handmade gifts, native plants, and garden supplies.
You’ll also meet partners such as International Bird Rescue, the California Wildlife Center, and Cougar Conservancy, all dedicated to protecting Southern California’s wildlife.
And while supplies last, pick up your very own limited edition “Stay Wild” button pins and sticker sheets.
Wildlife Day is more than an event. By learning and celebrating together, we can create a community where both people and wildlife thrive. I hope you’ll join us!
For the full schedule, list of partners, and to RSVP for this free event, visit pasadenahumane.org/wildlifeday
Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. pasadenahumane.org