This was shared by a national park employee, Dr. Ivan Rusev.

According to him, the birds were born during the war in 2024, likely in the occupied territory of the Kherson region within the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve – the only place in Ukraine where pink pelicans nest.

In the fall, after nesting, they flew north instead of south for the winter. It is unclear what challenges they faced during their flight, but volunteers found weakened pelicans. One was discovered in Vinnytsia, and another in Dnipropetrovsk. The birds were transported in various ways to a unique bird rescue center – the estate "Nyushanyk. Help for Birds" in the Kyiv region.

After six months of a challenging recovery process, the birds showed signs of hope for successful rehabilitation. Volunteers decided to release them in the Odesa National Park "Tuzlovskyi Limans".

"The pelicans traveled from the Kyiv region, nearly 700 km. They were tired. Park staff were waiting for them, having prepared temporary shelter. Delicious food from the Tuzlovskyi Limans energized them," says Ivan Rusev.

After a few days of quarantine, on April 15, the pelicans were released into the Jantsheisky Liman, where wild pelicans already resided. The date was chosen deliberately – it marked the 40th day since the passing of the renowned artist Taras Shevchenko – the creator of the pelican monument established in the national park.

"Their first flight was simply incredible. They joyfully flapped their wings, then lifted off from the water and flew away. Nearby, a flock of adult pelicans was present, and eventually, they joined together," shares Ivan Rusev.