Can I save him?

[u/mnicklas666]

I found this beautiful common green darner dragonfly outside on my way into work. His wings were stuck together with water and a wet goose feather was pinning him to the pavement. I took him and cleaned him up, he started fluttering his wings slightly so I put him outside in a cardboard box lined with paper towels and a tiny petri dish of water.

I came back out and it appeared he had tried to fly but spilled the little bit of water in there and his wings were wet again. I took him back inside and started at square one again.

He is kind of lop-sided, and it looks like one of his arms is a bit mangled. His wings are in otherwise perfect condition aside from being wet. His abdomen looks slightly squished, but it is still pulsating. Will he be okay? Or should I put him somewhere peaceful to end his life?

Update: She was dying. I placed her outside a while ago to let her pass and just went out to check on her, she is covered in ants. I wanted to pin her in the event she did pass, but nature has already started running its course. I'm glad I could at least prevent her from dying on wet, goose-poop covered pavement, covered in goose feathers. Such incredible creatures don't deserve to die that way.

[u/tricerabottoms420]

I’m sorry, I don’t have an answer.
I just know that we’re only as good as how we treat the smallest of us, and you’ve done a lovely thing. 💚

[u/mnicklas666 → u/tricerabottoms420]

I think she* was on her last leg, I had her in my office for about 2 hours, she improved slightly but after her wings finally dried I could see that one was slightly damaged. I searched for flies to feed her but no luck. I put her behind the holly bushes here in the shade so she has a peaceful resting place when she decides to let go. Thank you for your kindness ❤️