Parade of the pelicans

Press, 14 June 1983, Page 28

Parade of the pelicans

Pesky pelicans are scene stealers at the East Coast Bird Life and Animal Park at Bicheno. The pelicans, which were imported from South Australia when seven weeks old, are now 16 months old and have voracious appetites for salmon and mackerel, devouring 16kg of smooth fish a , day. Pelicans mature at the age of four years and have a life expectancy of up to 40 years. These pelicans spend their day chasing the Pelican Express as it carries visitors around the coastal park, the great birds flapping their wide wings as if they are would-be passengers who have missed the bus. The privately owned park which

opened 16 months ago has freeranging kangaroos, emus, and wallabies and a wide variety of waterfowl, including a hand-reared cygnet that always follows Bob Reeve, the ranger, around. Many of the park’s creatures have been brought to Bob as roadaccident victims.

In addition to wild water fowl, other bird species include kookaburras, finches, cockatoos, parrots, lorikeets, owls and budgerigars. A restaurant, and picnic and barbecue areas are also available.

The park is open seven days a week (9.30 a.m.-5.30 p.m.) and admission costs ?3 single, $7.50 family, $2 pensioners and $1.50 children.