Aussie hailed a 'legend’ for rescue of bloodied ibis
The rescuer explains he often goes to varying 'heights and depths' to rescue wildlife.
A wildlife rescuer has been praised for his "dedication" after trekking in neck-high water to rescue a bleeding and stranded ibis last week.
William Watson received a call from wildlife rangers at Bli Bli Barra fishing park on the Sunshine Coast and quickly submerged himself in the flowing river to retrieve the native bird.
"It had a fishing line attached to a hook in its wing that was wrapped around a tree... It wasn't too well, it had tried to free itself all night," Mr Watson from Wildlife Noosa told Yahoo News Australia.
After reaching the ibis and untangling it, the rescuer waded back across the river using only one hand while carrying the "stressed" bird with the other, before transporting it to a nearby vet for medical assistance.
Rescue video gains over 12,000 likes
The wildlife organisation created a short video documenting the rescue and was quickly inundated with thankful Aussies calling the rescue "heroic".
"Such a good rescue from a very difficult location," one wrote online, while many others thanked the "legend" for his efforts.
Despite the high praise, the wildlife rescuer deemed his behaviour simply part of the job.
"Sometimes we go to heights and depths," he told Yahoo News nonchalantly.
Heartbreaking magpie find prompts warning over 'vicious' problem
Sad incident speaks to secret life of Australia's native cockatoo
Video highlights 'really big problem' facing native wildlife
The wildlife rescuer said he has dealt with many rescues involving fishing line and hooks with the equipment easily debilitating wildlife.
"Fishing line entanglement is massive in the oceans and rivers... A lot of wildlife drown from fishing lines and hooks because it gets caught up and they can't get out of the water," he said.
WIRES confirmed wildlife entangled from fishing lines and hooks is a "really big problem" in the country and one simple measure could help significantly minimise the risks they pose.
"The big message is to please, if there aren't any council bins for disposal, take it home and dispose of it there," a spokesperson said.
"It's increasingly causing entanglement issues for wildlife and for the rescuers. And, sadly, those outcomes are often fatal... What happens by the time you find them, the damage has been done."
Mr Watson confirmed the ibis he rescued later died from its injuries.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new weekly newsletter showcasing the week’s best stories.
