Sometimes you have to get your hands dirty to do the job right.
That’s what happened at Key West’s wastewater treatment plant on April 24, when operator Walt Lee noticed a great white heron struggling to stay afloat in one of the facility’s aeration basins.
The heron appeared exhausted and heavily soiled, likely from the basin water, which would explain why it was struggling to stay afloat, states a press release from the city of Key West.
Lee quickly summoned his supervisor Richard Guzman and project manager Rick Cleaver, and a rescue effort was organized,
Due to the height of the basin walls, team members Richard Guzman, Hector Clemente, Thomas Borrego, Rigoberto Macias and Rick Cleaver kicked into immediate action. A lift was used to safely reach over the 25-foot-high wall, allowing them to rescue the heron with a net.
The crew carefully rinsed the stressed-out bird and placed it into a large box for transport. The heron was then taken to the Key West Wildlife Center on White Street for further care.
