Phoenix Zoo Adopts Pelicans Affected by Gulf Oil Spill

Courtesy of the Phoenix Zoo

​ A FedEx plane brought six American White pelicans to the Phoenix Zoo yesterday. The pelicans all have wing injuries that prevented their ability to fly away from the oil slick left by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in April.

They'll be in quarantine for the next 30 days, and will then be released into the Zoo's Wetlands exhibit.

Check out more pictures and a video of the pelicans after the jump ...

Courtesy of the Phoenix Zoo

​ In case you've been under a rock for the past few months, the oil spill that originated from the BP ("Beyond Petroleum") Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion on April 20. It's the largest marine oil spill ever in the petroleum industry. Environmental scientists are still assessing the long-term damage that will affect wildlife in the area.

"The Phoenix Zoo is proud to be a small part of the effort to save and rescue animals affected by the oil spill," says Dan Subaitis, Director of Animal Management for the Phoenix Zoo in an official release.

A video of the pelicans hanging out in quarantine was just released by the Phoenix Zoo. Check it out here.