Haven for pelican orphans

PELICAN chicks orphaned by notorious coastal winds can now find shelter in Walvis Bay.

The Pelican Rehabilitation Centre, situated at the Walvis Bay Waterfront, was established two years ago by Neels and Megan Dreyer of Mola Mola Safaris.According to Neels, the need for the centre arose when people brought in pelican chicks that had apparently been blown into the sea by fierce east or south-westerly winds and were then washed ashore – wet, cold and orphaned.According to Neels, the man-made ‘Bird Island’ between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, which is used mainly for guano production, is the only place along the Atlantic south coast where the great white pelican nests and breeds during the first half of the year.’When the strong winds come, the chicks are still small and vulnerable, and many are blown into the sea. They are then washed ashore where passersby pick them up. People don’t really know how to raise such a bird, so they brought them to us, and this is how the Pelican Rehabilitation Project was born,’ he told The Namibian.The centre consists of a small wooden hut and a cage. The chicks are cleaned, ringed and fed, and once they are strong enough, the door of the centre is left open, and the birds are free to leave when they please. He said six birds have been saved and raised this way so far.’They obviously come back again. They enjoy the attention they get from tourists that come to the waterfront, and once in a while they get their treat of fish,’ Neels said. ‘The nice thing is they are not in captivity, and are free to move as they please.’Thousands of tourists annually make use of the variety of eco-marine tours operating ski-boats and catamarans in the Walvis Bay area.’They are creatures we care for, and they are also an important part of our operations here. People love them,’ said Neels.He said other pelicans are also attracted to the centre out of curiosity. Quite recently a pelican that was ringed by famous environmentalist Hugh Berry 36 years ago, made its appearances at the centre.