AMWRRO is currently caring for one of several pelicans that have caused some concern at the River Torrens in Adelaide’s CBD by snatching people’s lunch out of their hands.
Despite what some may say, this is no fault of the pelicans as these birds are opportunistic feeders and those people that continue to feed them have unfortunately caused this problem (albeit with good intentions). Everyone must understand that these are wild animals and must be left to fend for themselves as oppose to relying on people for free “hand outs” and therefore, allowing the birds to think that everyone will just hand them food.
People feeding Pelicans bread at the River Torrens Adelaide CBD.
Unfortunately the food in which the birds are fed (bread and other human foods) is of poor nutritional value and can cause long term complications for the animals. This includes ducks, swans and other water birds that have become “imprinted” by well-intended people who feed them and who teach children to do the same.
The bottom line is; if it doesn’t belong to you, don’t feed it. You will only cause the animal harm in the long run and even death in some cases.
One adult male pelican was captured earlier today and has been introduced to other in-care pelicans at AMWRRO Wetland Facility on Torrens Island where is will undergo rehabilitation before being released back into the wild at a new location.
