Rescued Pelicans: A New Beginning
This story was shared by a national park employee, Dr. Ivan Rusev, a biologist.
According to him, these birds were born during the war in 2024, likely in the occupied territories of the 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 wintering. It is unclear what challenges they faced during their flight, but volunteers found them in a weakened state. One was located in Vinnytsia, and the other in Dnipropetrovsk. They were transported to a unique rescue center called “Nyushanyk. Bird Assistance” in Kyiv Oblast.
Over six months, the pelicans underwent a tough healing and recovery process, which offered hope for successful rehabilitation. Volunteers decided to release them in the Tzuzlovsky Limans National Park in Odesa.
“The pelicans traveled nearly 700 km from Kyiv Oblast. They were tired. Park staff awaited them, having prepared temporary shelter. Delicious food from the Tzuzlovsky Limans rejuvenated them,” said Ivan Rusev.
The pelicans were kept in quarantine for a few days, and on April 15, they were released into the Dzhantshey Liman, where a group of “wild” pelicans already resided. The date was chosen deliberately — it marked the 40th day since the passing of the great artist Taras Shevchenko, the creator of the pelican monument installed in the national park.
“Their first flight was simply extraordinary. They joyfully flapped their wings, then lifted off from the water and soared. Nearby was a flock of adult pelicans, and eventually, they joined together,” shares Ivan Rusev.
