This was shared by a national park employee, Dr. Alexander Melnik.

According to him, the birds were born during the war in 2024, likely in the occupied territories of Kherson region in the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve – the only place in Ukraine where pink pelicans nest.

In the autumn, after nesting, they flew north instead of south for winter. It is unknown what difficulties they faced during their migration, but weakened pelicans were discovered by volunteers. One was found in Vinnytsia, another in Dnipropetrovsk. They were transported to a unique bird rescue center called “Nyushanik. Help for Birds” in Kyiv region.

Over six months, the birds underwent a challenging treatment and recovery process, which sparked hope for successful rehabilitation. Volunteers decided it was time to release them in the Tuzlovsky Limans National Park in Odesa.

“The pelicans traveled from Kyiv region, nearly 700 km. They were tired. Park staff awaited them, having prepared temporary shelter. Delicious food from the Tuzlovsky limans rejuvenated them,” says Alexander Melnik.

For several days, the pelicans were kept in quarantine, and on April 15, they were released into the Jancheisky Liman, where “wild” pelicans already resided. The date was chosen deliberately, marking 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 amazing. They were joyfully flapping their wings, then lifted off the water and soared. A flock of adult pelicans was nearby. Soon they joined together,” shares Alexander Melnik.