Sometimes we need a heartwarming story to lighten the mood from all the harrowing news of the day. A firefighter in California noticed that a pigeon seemed to be suffering after inhaling smoke from a nearby car fire. That’s when he knelt down and gave the bird an oxygen mask, which it graciously accepted.
Bird looked as though it was suffering from smoke inhalation
In a short clip posted on the official Facebook page of the Oakland Firefighters Local 55, a firefighter from the E29 crew gave aid to an ailing pigeon.
The 15-second video shows the emergency responder, who was still in his black-and-yellow firefighting uniform, gently guiding a oxygen mask meant for humans with his left hand near the head of the bird.
The post says that “the crew reported the pigeon came up to them seeking help.” The bird looked like it was struggling after inhaling smoke from a nearby vehicle fire, yet it had the wherewithal to head over to some humans who apparently seemed friendly enough to approach.
The pigeon likely had no idea what the strange plastic object being dangled in front of it was, but it appreciated the air coming from the mask since the bird stayed still for at least the entire length of the video.
After the pigeon recovered, it “shortly flew away after clearing out its lungs.”
Numerous commenters to the video were delighted by the firefighter’s actions and praised his attentive care for the animal. One wrote, “Nothing hotter than a working man that’s a good daddy, good to his mama, and good to animals.”
Another pointed out that pigeons have had a long relationship with humans, which might be why it wasn’t afraid to approach the firefighter: “Pigeon genetics still remember that humans and pigeons had bonds. They’re ridiculously smart creatures.”
Birds are particularly susceptible to any type of smoke due to their efficient respiratory system, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Air pollutants from cigars, pipes, vaporizers, and even cleaning products can lead to respiratory problems for birds.
