Oil spill pelicans recovered

THREE pelicans caught in an oil spill at Hamilton last month have been taken home with only a few ruffled feathers to show for their adventure.

Environment Minister Vicky Darling welcomed the birds home after the oil spill that occurred on January 23 from the GL LAN XIU.

Ms Darling said the pelicans had been nursed back to full health by dedicated Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service staff and rangers experienced in caring for oiled wildlife.

"Initially the birds were cared for at the Manly Marine Parks base at a dedicated unit set up in response to the incident," Ms Darling said.

"Here they were washed down with specialist detergent, hydrated, fed and stabilised.

"They then moved to pelican paradise at David Fleay Wildlife Park, which was already equipped to manage oiled wildlife following the 'Pacific Adventurer' incident in 2009.

"While at David Fleay they feasted on mullet, whiting and flathead gaining strength to return home to the Brisbane River," she said.

Ms Darling thanked everyone involved in the recovery operation, saying many different groups had helped the pelicans recover.

"I thank the QPWS staff from Moreton Bay Marine Park and David Fleay's, as well as RSPCA, Manly Road Veterinary Clinic, Maritime Safety Queensland and local businesses who helped make this operation a success," Ms Darling said.

The oil spill was contained and cleaned within days.

Those responsible have been charged and bailed to reappear at a later date.