News & Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHOENIX ZOO WELCOMES THE ARRIVAL OF PELICANS AFFECTED BY THE GULF OIL SPILL
Phoenix Zoo will care for six American White pelicans

PHOENIX (August 5, 2010) – The Phoenix Zoo is now the permanent home to six American White pelicans affected by the oil spill in the Gulf.

The pelicans arrived on Wednesday from the Jackson Zoo in Jackson, Mississippi, where they had been temporarily housed. The birds arrived in Phoenix via a FedEx plane accompanied by two Zoo employees.

All of the birds have wing injuries that prevented them from being released into the wild and flying away from the oil slick. By housing the birds at the Phoenix Zoo, it saves them from the oil spill and also frees up more room back in the Gulf for new birds that still need help.

“The Phoenix Zoo is proud to be a small part of the effort to save and rescue animals affected by the oil spill, ” says Dan Subaitis, Director of Animal Management for the Phoenix Zoo. “We are excited to share these beautiful birds with the residents of the community so they too can feel that they are helping the efforts in the Gulf.”

The pelicans will be held in quarantine for 30 days, and then will be released into the Zoo’s new Wetlands exhibit.

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.