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Pelican escapes from Blackpool Zoo after seagulls frighten it off
It is understood the young bird is unable to feed itself and so it is important it is found as soon as possible
A Pelican has escaped from Blackpool Zoo and members of the public have been warned not to approach it.
The 14-week old pelican has gone missing since a flock of seagulls spooked it at around 2pm on August 4th.
The gulls scared the bird, causing it to fly onto the top of the flamingo house before a gust of wind came along and the young pelican took off.
Desperate zoo keepers tried to retrieve it from the rooftop before it got away and they lost sight of it. The young bird had only just grown its adult feathers and had not yet had its wings clipped.
A spokesperson for Blackpool Zoo said: “Keepers followed it out of the zoo and lost sight of it at 4pm, when it was headed in the direction of the South Shore area of the resort.
“It has been seen in the area since and keepers are following up all sightings.”
The pelican was spotted heading towards the South Shore area of the seaside resort. It has been spotted by members of the public in the area since it got away and desperate keepers are following up any sightings.
Though staff at the zoo are hopeful they will find the bird.
The zoo added: “Pelicans are beautiful, docile creatures and there is no threat to the public. We would ask that people do not approach the bird if they see it as it they may scare it.
“Blackpool Zoo has housed this magnificent species for many years and we are the only collection in the UK to have successfully bred them, which makes the youngster very special.
“This is the first time we have had an incident like this, which was down to the ever-growing problems we, and the town, continue to have with seagulls.
“It is 4ft tall, with brown feathers and we would ask that any recent sightings to be reported.”
It is understood the bird is unable to feed itself, so it is imperative it is found as soon as possible. Anyone who spots the animal is urged to contact the zoo duty manager on 07799226908.
It’s not the first time the zoo has had an issue with seagulls. Earlier this year, it listed a job vacancy for people to become a ‘seagull deterrent’ and dress up as inflatable birds.
The job role was aimed at keeping the gulls away from the main visitor dining areas with signs displayed warning people not to feed them.