ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A distressed flamingo was rescued Friday afternoon off a St. Petersburg-area beach, according to SPCA Tampa Bay.

The flamingo was found struggling in the water about 800 yards away from Blind Pass by Capt. Jeff Brooks and Madeira Beach Commissioner Anne-Marie Brooks, according to SPCA Tampa Bay.

The flamingo was swimming away from land and appeared to be confused.

The boat trip was organized to look at beach erosion from Hurricane Idalia.

“The passion this community has for its animals extends into the ranks of our elected officials,” said SPCA Tampa Bay Chief Executive Officer Martha Boden said in a statement. “The entire team on the boat jumped into action when they saw this flamingo in distress.”

SPCA Tampa Bay is temporarily housing the flamingo in Largo until it can be transferred to a licensed rehabilitator on Saturday, according to a news release.