News & Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHOENIX ZOO UNVEILS NEW EXHIBIT FOR THE PELICANS AFFECTED BY THE GULF OIL SPILL
Pelicans will call Wetlands exhibit home

PHOENIX (September 1, 2010) – The six American White pelicans who arrived at the Phoenix Zoo last month will be released from quarantine and introduced into their new habitat on Monday, September 6th.

The pelicans have been doing well at the Zoo's animal hospital where they have stayed for the past month during their required quarantine period. "They stick close together in their enclosure right now", says Dan Subaitis, director of animal management for the Phoenix Zoo. "We are anxious to welcome them to their new home where they will have plenty of room to explore and enjoy their natural surroundings."

The pelicans arrived from the Jackson Zoo in Jackson, Mississippi, where they had been temporarily housed after being rescued from the Gulf area.

All of the birds have wing injuries that prevented them from flying away from the oil slick and therefore cannot be released back into the wild. By housing the birds at the Phoenix Zoo, it protected them from the oil spill and helped free up more room back in the Gulf for new birds that still need help.

The Wetlands habitat, located on the Tropics Trail, is a three acre habitat formerly and affectionately known as the Swamp.  The pelicans will be sharing their new home with rescued Sandhill Cranes from Florida, the Zoos flock of Chilean Flamingos, and a few Red Brocket Deer which are found in Mexico.  Renovation of the Wetlands habitat consisted of a complete clean-up of the lake and extensive horticulture plantings that will replicate wetlands habitat found from the southern U.S. to South America.

About the Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is a non-profit zoological park that serves 1.5 million guests annually. Home to more than 1, 300 animals and many endangered and threatened species, the Zoo is dedicated to providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. For more information about the Zoo and upcoming events visit phoenixzoo.org.