Wildlife park welcomes new pelican for breeding scheme

The pink-backed pelican arrived from Germany

A wildlife park has welcomed a female pelican as part of its breeding scheme which aims to secure the bird's population across Europe.

The pink-backed pelican, which was born at Hagenbeck Zoo in Germany, is "settling in well" at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.

She will be part of a scheme aimed at ensuring the genetic diversity and sustainability of pelican's future.

Alistair Keen, Birdland's head keeper, said the female bird is an "important" addition to the park's commitment to pelican conservation.

Working with parks across the Europe, Mr Keen said the exchange and breeding of animals like pelicans helps to maintain "healthy, genetically diverse populations that serve as a safeguard against extinction".

Birdland's pelican colony now consists of three males and two females, setting the stage for future breeding opportunities.

Visitors to the wildlife park can see the group during daily feeding sessions.