Helicopter Ride To Safety For Pedro The Pigeon

A lost racing pigeon airlifted to safety by helicopter after crash landing on a North Sea oil rig is recovering in the Scottish SPCA's care.

Scotland's animal welfare charity was contacted after the exhausted bird landed on the Clyde platform 160 miles offshore last Monday morning (1 June).

The pigeon, nicknamed Pedro by workers on the rig, was flown by helicopter to Aberdeen on Thursday (4 June) and taken to the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Alloa.

Animal rescue officer Kirsty McQuade said, "It was actually my boyfriend Kevin Mitchell who found Pedro. He crash landed on deck and Kevin managed to catch him and take him inside.

"Pedro appeared to be exhausted and extremely thin so Kevin contacted me for advice. I advised him on what to feed Pedro and he was kept safe in a box on board.

"It was fantastic that Pedro was able to ride in the helicopter with the crew who were coming back to the mainland and we would like to thank everyone for their assistance.

"Pedro is now in the care of our wildlife rescue centre where he is making a good recovery."