Breeding in captivity is vitally important for these birds as they are under threat due to overfishing in some areas and are hunted for their skin, pouches and meat. Their eggs are often infertile or break during incubation.
Two chicks hatched at Montecasino in March – one with the parents, while the other hatched after being artificially incubated by Bird Gardens’ staff. Unfortunately the second chick, despite all best efforts to give it a chance of survival, didn’t make it.
“Our surviving brave and beautiful little chick was a huge hit with all our visitors over the Easter weekend – young and old alike – and we are looking forward to seeing it grow up and start a family of its own,” said Deidre Jameson, property manager of Montecasino.
“At this stage, the chick hasn’t been named as it has not yet been sexed, which will be done using blood samples for DNA sexing when older,” said Jameson.
The Montecasino Bird Gardens is one of the only institutions in South Africa that is breeding these birds in captivity. The Bird Gardens have 13 Eastern White Pelicans, 12 of which can be seen on the main dam, including the new chick.
Have you seen the pelican chick yet? Let us know in the comments below.
