By Neil Farrell

An injured brown pelican has become the ambassador for a new, non-profit wildlife education organization, headed up by a long-time wildlife rescuer.
Willow Tree Wildlife is a non-profit organization dedicated to education about native wildlife and their habitats, explained Dani Nicholson of Cayucos. Through community projects, WTW works to bring caring individuals and organizations together to address issues that impact the environment and the wildlife that inhabit it.
Incorporated in 2014, WTW is directed by Nicholson and its centerpiece for its educational message is “Morro,” a brown pelican, that was taken in injured in 2009. Nicholson said that due to a permanent wing disability, Morro cannot fly and so can’t be released back into the wild, which is the goal of wildlife rescue organizations. But he has a second life as symbol and educator.
With Morro’s help, Nicholson recounts the hazards that pelicans and other seabirds face in the wild, and teaches both children and adults about how they can help. In 2014, Morro visited with 19 different groups, Nicholson said, and reached out to thousands of people.
A few high spots included an Audubon Society fundraiser attended by the National Audubon President, David Yarnold; the premier of “Pelican Dreams,” a documentary that featured Morro at SLO’s Palm Theater; events with California State Parks; the Avila Beach Bird Sanctuary ribbon cutting; and numerous events with parks agencies and schools in the area.
Additionally, Nicholson represents Willow Tree Wildlife on a project to update fish cleaning stations in Morro Bay and Avila Beach. The upgrades will prevent injuries to pelicans and other seabirds, who think they’re getting a free meal, she said.
To request Morro to come to your school or event, call Nicholson at Willow Tree Wildlife at: (805) 704-8527 or email to: . Follow Morro, on Facebook, too. A website: willowtreewildlife.org is currently under construction.