Feathered friend escapes from Fota

Wildlife enthusiasts in Little Island and surrounding areas were surprised this week when they welcomed an unusual and exotic visitor.

The great white pelican, one of two that live in Fota Wildlife Park, was seen out and about enjoying the weather and the beautiful surroundings of Cork Harbour.

Although the birds are regularly feather clipped, the wildlife park confirmed that the feathers of this particular bird had grown back allowing it to take flight.

Fota Wildlife Park’s animal care team are monitoring the sightings of the pelican daily, with the most recent sightings reported in the Little Island area.

Fota’s Animal Care Manager Declan O’Donovan told the Cork Independent that locals need not be worried.

He said: “We know that he will return to the Wildlife Park for food once he becomes hungry.

“He is not a danger to the public and will fly away from people if approach.”

Great white pelicans are found in south-eastern Europe, Asia and Africa and are known to breed in swamps and shallow lakes.

The pelican’s distinctive yellow gular pouch can hold up to 13 litres of liquids or four kg of fish.

The species has a typical wingspan of between 226-360 cm.

They can live for up to 25 years in the wild and even longer in captivity.