Yesterday, environmental NGO BirdLife Malta took to Facebook to post a harrowing video of a protected Little Egret being rescued after it was illegally shot by a hunter.

The bird was shot at in the Pembroke Natura 2000 site – a supposed wildlife refuge that is often frequented by members of the public – in front of many witnesses.

Thankfully, avid bird enthusiast and BirdLife Malta member Raphael Soler rushed to the scene and called the relevant authorities.

“The hunter, who realised he was observed shooting at the bird, instantly fled the scene,” the NGO wrote.

“Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) police were called on site to recover the bird and take it to the government vet,” it continued.

Although the injured Little Egret was in very bad shape, it was still alive when it reached the veterinarian.

Many bird lovers took to the post’s comments section to condemn such an act.

“Senseless, just selfish individuals with no regard for anything apart from themselves,” one commenter wrote.

If you have any information about the incident, kindly call the EPU on 119.

We wish the Little Egret a speedy recovery!