Today I visited the Theodore, Alabama, Oiled Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. For the first time since first coming back to Alabama to document the BP Oil Crisis in mid-May, I have hope.

I have witnessed so much disorganization with cleanup crews, local, state and federal governments and have left the beaches very frustrated and angry, not just at BP but at all the agencies involved. Today’s experience at the rehab facility was a breath of fresh air for me.

Under the guidance and direction of Dr. Heidi Stout, Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research director, the Theodore center is doing an amazing job of helping wildlife. FINALLY! Something related to this oil crisis is working. (Please clap out loud and dance). Along with staff from all over the country, Dr. Stout provides excellent care for oiled birds and other animals.

When a bird is captured, it is stabilized over a period lasting from 1 to 3 days. It is treated medically and monitored. Then the bird is cleaned and, depending on the bird’s size, cleaning can take 45 minutes (pelicans) to 10 minutes (gulls). They are cleaned in diluted Dawn in 104 to 105 degree water, their body temperature. They are thoroughly rinsed and kept for two weeks or so for monitoring and recovery.

The center has been open since early May and was fully prepared to receive wildlife prior to any known oilings in Alabama. So far they have treated 50 animals successfully. Dr. Stout and her staff give us hope that agencies can work together effectively and produce an organized, well-run program. Agencies involved in the center include the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service. The center is funded by BP.

These northern gannets have been cleaned and are recovering nicely. Visiting this center gives me hope that we can come out on the other side of this disaster. Step by step, one bird at a time, we have hope.