These birds are typically not found outside coastal areas.
The animal rescue team from Kyiv assisted in delivering a pelican that had wandered into Ukraine to a rehabilitation center.
As reported by the Kyiv Animal Rescue Group, the bird was discovered in Kryzhopol. The pelican was exhausted and ill, prompting concerned individuals to transport it first to Vinnytsia and then to Kyiv.
“In Ukraine, two species of pelicans can be found: the pink pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) and the curly pelican (Pelecanus crispus). Occasional sightings of these birds occur along nearly the entire Ukrainian coastline of the Black and Azov Seas, while stable populations exist in the Ukrainian part of the Danube Delta. Where our curly pelican was heading remains a mystery,” the rescuers noted.
In Kyiv, the pelican underwent a medical examination at a veterinary clinic, after which it was taken to the Nyushanik Estate, where they specialize in the treatment and rehabilitation of wild birds.
“The bird turned out to be polite, intelligent, and friendly towards people; interacting with it was very interesting and enjoyable,” said KARG.