This information was provided by a national park employee, PhD Ivan Rusyev.
According to him, the birds were born during the war in 2024, likely in the occupied territory of Kherson region within the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve, the only place in Ukraine where pink pelicans nest.
In the fall, after nesting, they headed north instead of south for winter. It is unknown what challenges they faced during the flight, but weakened pelicans were found by volunteers. One was located in Vinnytsia, and the other in Dnipropetrovsk. The birds were transported to a unique bird rescue center called “Nyushanik. Help for Birds” in Kyiv region.
Over the course of six months, the birds underwent a difficult treatment and recovery process, bringing hope for successful rehabilitation. Volunteers decided to release them in the “Tuzlovski Lymany” national park in Odesa region.
“The pelicans traveled almost 700 km from Kyiv region. They were tired. Park staff prepared a temporary shelter for them. Delicious food from Tuzlovski Lymany boosted their spirits,” says Ivan Rusyev.
The pelicans were kept in quarantine for several days, and on April 15, they were released into the Jantshey Liman, where “wild” pelicans already resided. The date was chosen intentionally – the 40th day since the passing of the great artist Taras Shevchenko, who created the pelican monument situated in the national park.
“Their first flight was simply incredible. They joyfully flapped their wings, then took off from the water and flew away. Nearby, there was a flock of adult pelicans. Eventually, they joined together,” shares Ivan Rusyev.
