The resulting environmental destruction from the spill , specifically the avian population , prompted volunteers to rescue some 4,300 birds . At this time , knowledge on how to care for birds in such health was low . As a result , and despite efforts , only 300 or so animals were ever deemed fit to be released . The remnants of this volunteer force eventually resulted in the creation of the International Bird Rescue in an endeavor to increase knowledge and research in bird rescue . One of the largest volunteer turnouts since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake came of this event
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1971 San Francisco Bay oil spill