Chick out the latest addition to the Folly flock!

We have a new addition to the zoo! Hatched on the 11^th of August 2023, the (not so) small pink-backed pelican chick is doing well and is being ably looked after by parents Hank and Priscilla. Look closely and you’ll spot the chick tucked in the nest often nuzzled beneath mum or dad, or waiting with open-beak for his next meal!

Naturally, keeper Martha and the rest of the animal care team are delighted. Martha said:

“It’s just the best feeling in the world. Having worked with them on a daily basis it’s so gratifying to know that they’re healthy and happy enough to want to breed. This is their second breeding cycle and it’s clear that dad Hank and mum Priscilla know exactly what to do and take parenting in their stride.”

The pink-backed pelicans first joined us in October 2020 and quickly made their home on ‘Pelican Lake’ situated at our Asian Adventure habitat. Priscilla was one of the first to arrive from Wild Discovery near Blackpool, closely followed by super-dad Hank who joined us from Zoo Duisberg in Germany. They are part of an EAZA EEP breeding programme for the species and this is the second time they’ve successfully bred and reared young.

Although predominately grey and white feathered they are so-called after the tinge of pink they have on their backs. They are traditionally found throughout parts of Africa and Southern India, pink-backed pelicans can grow up to 1.5m high and weigh 7kg with their impressive beaks reaching up to 38cm in length; Ideal for consuming their favourite foods of roach and sprats.

Now, we need your help to name the chick. Dad Hank is named after keeper Martha’s favourite actor, Tom Hanks. So, we thought it would be fitting to name his chick after a character from one of his films. Names on the shortlist are: Forrest or Sully.

The competition is live on our Facebook page and the name with the most votes wins. To say “thank you” for entering we’ll pick one lucky winner at random from the winning name list, who will then receive a day entry ticket for four people!

Competition closes at 11.59pm on Thursday 14^th September 2023 and the winning name and lucky winners will be announced on Friday 15^th.

Good luck!