08/29 ~ American White Pelican finds a home at the Zoo

Date: August 29, 2009    
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN FINDS A HOME AT THE ZOO  

Aldergrove – Our Pelican came to the Greater Vancouver Zoo after being sighted injured on the ground near Creighton, Saskatchewan in November 2008.  Thankfully a group of concerned citizens noticed him sitting on the ground and not flying away, and brought him to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon.

After a thorough examination from the veterinarians at the college, it was determined that he had a ruptured propytagial ligament in the left wing; that would make him unable to be released to the wild due to his inability to fly.  The college contacted several zoos and fortunately the Greater Vancouver Zoo was able to provide him with a permanent home.

The pelican arrived in late spring this year and after some time in quarantine he was released to his new home alongside the moose.  “Before announcing his arrival we wanted to give him lots of time to get settled in, but now he is doing really well and is extremely cute. We are sure he will receive lots of visitors very soon if they have not seen him already! “ said Marketing Manager, Jody Henderson.

American White Pelicans are one of the largest birds in North America, with a length of 127 cm (50”) and a wingspan of 279.4 cm (110”). Their lifespan is 20 - 30 years. As an adult they have a long, orange bill with a pouch and short orange legs and feet. British Columbia has only 1 nesting colony of the provincially endangered American White Pelican.  

 

The Greater Vancouver Zoo invites you visit our Pelican and see why we think he is so special!

Media Contact:                    

Jody Henderson                        
Marketing & Promotions Manager                
Phone:  604.856.6825 x 33                    
Email:  jhenderson@gvzoo.com