Simple Green has been a proud supporter of International Bird Rescue (IBR) since 2004, when Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner was provided to the organization as a donation to clean-up after a large oil spill. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is the preferred cleaner for facilities and enclosures at both the Northern and Southern IBR locations. In 2014, Sunshine Makers Inc., the manufacturer of Simple Green products, agreed to an ongoing product sponsorship, providing all of the Simple Green products used in both IBR facilities. This is an exciting new development in the relationship between Simple Green and IBR.

Simple Green is fortunate to have witnessed the release of perhaps the most buzzed-about bird to be rehabilitated by IBR, Pink the Pelican. This California Brown Pelican was picked up by a bystander in Long Beach, Calif. on April 16 and brought to IBR's Southern facility in San Pedro, Calif. with its throat pouch nearly severed off its bill. After caretakers came to the conclusion that Pink's injuries were human-caused, the ordeal sparked outrage and made headlines across California. The story resonated with animal lovers and advocacy organizations alike, spawning a $20,000 reward to find the person(s) responsible for this horrific crime.

After undergoing two surgeries and receiving over 600 stitches, Pink the Pelican spent just over six weeks in rehabilitation at the IBR facility in San Pedro. Pink was successfully released on the afternoon of June 3 at White Point Park in San Pedro by L.A. City Councilman Joe Buscaino. Prior to release, Pink's pink band was replaced with a blue band reading "V70" as part of IBR's Blue-Banded Pelican Program. If you happen to spot Pink out along the Pacific Coast you can report your sighting to the IBR on this website.

Unfortunately, attacks on pelicans have been reported prior to this one, primarily in California, Florida and North Carolina. After the Brown Pelican population decline in the late 1970's resulted in the species being designated as endangered, their numbers rebounded in 2009 and they were removed from that list. Regardless of whether or not a species is on the endangered list, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is illegal to kill or cause harm to migratory birds.

The International Bird Rescue's "Every Bird Matters" mantra has certainly been a theme throughout this ordeal, and the organization and its supporters remain optimistic. The $20,000 reward for the party responsible for the attack on Pink remains outstanding, and anyone who has information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Fish and Wildlife Service at (310) 325-1516 or Long Beach Animal Care Services at (562) 570-7387.

Simple Green is pleased that Pink is back where he belongs and that our company can assist the IBR in their important work.