A rare bird listed in Kazakhstan's Red Data Book was found covered in oil in Mangistau. Employees at the Zhetibay oil field discovered an exhausted long-legged buzzard that could not fly or move. It was identified as a member of the hawk family and is protected under Kazakhstan's Red Data Book, reports infohub.kz.
The workers notified the public fund Umit Mangistau, which specializes in helping raptors and red-listed birds.
Fund representatives immediately contacted officials from environmental organizations and government agencies tasked with wildlife protection. Together, they organized a rescue operation. The oil field employees maintained constant communication, providing updates on the bird's condition.
Thanks to joint efforts, the buzzard was quickly transported to Aktau, where it was met and taken to a temporary rehabilitation center for wild raptors and red-listed birds.
The bird arrived in critical condition: severely overheated, emaciated, and with its plumage almost entirely covered in oil. Specialists are working to stabilize its condition, normalize its body temperature, and provide supportive therapy. After that, a lengthy and complex process of cleaning the oil from its feathers and subsequent rehabilitation will begin.
Experts emphasize that even a small amount of oil on feathers prevents a bird from flying normally, retaining heat, and protecting itself from external factors. Without timely help, such cases often prove fatal.
Earlier in Mangistau, another rare predator—a banded polecat—was rescued.