Pelican Dies at Guindy Clinic After Miscreants Attack Birds at Korattur Lake

A pelican succumbed to severe injuries at the veterinary clinic at Guindy's Children's Park after two pelicans were attacked by unidentified miscreants at Korattur Lake over the weekend.

The first bird was targeted around 9 am on Saturday on the western side of Korattur Lake. The pelican, which weighed 6 kg, suffered severe trauma near its beak and neck. It was transported to the veterinary clinic inside the Children's Park in Guindy, where it died from its injuries on Saturday evening.

A second pelican was attacked around noon on Sunday on the eastern side of the waterbody. A forest department staff member reported that the second bird, weighing more than 4 kg, sustained an injury below its eye in a similar region. Forest personnel initiated transport for the second bird to receive veterinary care.

Local residents suspected the migratory birds were being targeted for their meat. While some community members claimed that the attackers used pellet guns, Assistant District Forest Officer Elango dismissed the use of firearms, stating that the birds appeared to have been pelted with stones.

Elango stated that a forest department squad is being dispatched to investigate the location and determine further action. He noted that those responsible could face penalties under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The repeated attacks have prompted local activists to renew calls for greater environmental protections. S. Sekharan of the Korattur Eri Padhukappu Makkal Iyakkam stated that multiple migratory species visit the lake and urged the government to declare Korattur Lake a bird sanctuary. He added that transferring control of the lake from the Water Resources Department to the Forest Department is necessary to ensure bird safety and curb illegal attacks.