NEW YORK: The San Diego Zoo is now taking care of two Dalmatian pelican chicks which have been brought from the Safari Park. Aged two and 11 days old, the chicks will be under the care of zoo staff until they are strong enough to rejoin their flock. They were taken to the San Diego Zoo Avian Propagation Center as their parents will not be able to raise them. For about 50 to 60 days from now, the Dalmatian pelican chicks will be hand-raised by animal care staff, following which, they will be sent back to the Safari Park.Of all pelican species, Dalmatian pelicans are the largest and rarest. They were included in the first breeding program in North America which aimed at reducing vulnerability of the species. The breeding program started in 2006 and since then the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has been the home to 34 chicks. The success of the program encouraged the authorities to send some of the Dalmatian pelicans to the Phoenix Zoo where another breeding colony is being set up.
Previously, Dalmatian pelicans were found throughout Asia and Europe, in rivers and freshwater wetlands. However, presently they are considered as extinct in a number of regions owing to habitat loss. Another reason behind their dwindled population is their competition for fish against businesses encroaching natural feeding grounds. They were also hunted for food and their bills were used for combing horses.
