Despite life-saving efforts, wood stork dies after being found in Clarion County

CLARION, Pa. (WJET) — The Tamarack Wildlife Center had a recent patient from out of town that is quite rare.

A young wood stork, just a few months old, was found in Clarion, and entrusted to the wildlife center.

They believed the stork got caught up in recent hurricane activity in the southeastern parts of the U.S., where the birds are native, and was pushed north by strong winds.

The bird was brought to the center in critical condition and caretakers did everything they could to provide treatments, even at times getting suggestions from people down south who are more familiar with caring for them.

“We’ve treated a lot of patients and each one is precious and a privilege to treat, but to see an amazing creature like this was a special thrill. And they had been endangered in our country,” said Carol Holmgren, executive director of the Tamarack Wildlife Center.

Sadly, the wood stork passed away Wednesday morning despite efforts to save its life.

The Academy of Natural Science in Philadelphia will take this bird in for examination, and then it will be put on display for educational purposes.

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