Overview
- Rescuers first reported the pelican on Monday in Schwalmstadt-Ziegenhain, and it was seen again the next day on a farm and about 20 kilometres away.
- Experts say the bird is a juvenile that cannot feed itself and therefore needs prompt, specialist care from trained wildlife handlers.
- Tiernothilfe Schwalmstadt has asked residents to report sightings immediately to police or the rescue group and warned people not to try to capture the bird themselves.
- The absence of a ring on the pelican has left its origin unclear and opened an inquiry into whether it is a natural vagrant or was illegally brought into Germany.
- Because the bird is mobile and sightings have appeared across the Schwalm-Eder-Kreis, police and animal rescuers face coordination challenges and may take legal steps if private ownership or illegal import is confirmed.