Eastern white pelican

Pelecanus onocrotalus

Group of pelicans IMAGE: Unknown 2024

Status

NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

We are currently home to a small group, made up of four males and three females. 

Population

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Unknown

Diet

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Piscivore

Habitat

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Rivers and wetlands

Fact file

  • Eastern white pelican are the second largest species of pelican in the world

  • Adult eastern white pelicans have pure white plumage with pinkish legs. Juveniles are grey in colour and have dark flight feathers

Eastern white pelican huddled on sand Image: Rhiordan Langan-Fortune 2024

How we're helping

Like all the animals in our care our Eastern white pelicans are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation