VIDEO: Escaped pelican from Blackpool Zoo evades capture in Heysham

Monday, 21 August 2023 06:55

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

The escaped pelican from Blackpool Zoo was spotted in Heysham over the weekend

An escaped pelican from Blackpool Zoo has been spotted at Heysham as it continues to evade capture.

The fledgling, which flew off from the zoo earlier this month after being scared by a flock of seagulls, was seen on the water at Middleton Nature Reserve, on a roof at the Heysham Business Park, flying near Ocean Edge, and on grass near Heysham Port, on Saturday.

There was also a reported sighting on St Leonardgate in Lancaster.

Blackpool Zoo was alerted and a team tried to recapture the pelican at the nature reserve on Saturday but was unsuccessful.

The brown-feathered bird escaped from the zoo after it flew into the flamingo house and was then taken on a gust of wind towards the South Shore on August 4.

There have been several sightings of the bird across the North West since then.

Here is the pelican at Middleton Nature Reserve on Saturday. Photos by Jack Pearson and video by Lynda MacFarlane

Beyond Radio understands that a rescue was attempted at the nature reserve on Saturday morning involving a boat and big nets, but this was unsuccessful.

Zoo staff then tried again in the evening, when wildlife comes off the lake for the night, but this was again unsuccessful.

We have contacted Lancashire Wildlife Trust, which runs the nature reserve, for comment.

Zookeepers also came within metres of capturing the pelican in Granny's Bay, Lytham St Anne's, last week, but it flew away.

The bird is about 4ft (1.2m) tall with a 5ft (1.5m) wingspan.

A Blackpool Zoo spokesperson said on Monday: “We continue to receive calls with positive sightings and our keepers respond to each one.

“The nature of the rescue is extremely complex and difficult, but our team will continue in their efforts.

“If people see the pelican we ask they take a picture and send it us on 07799 226908 as soon as possible."