Wildlife park welcomes new pelican for breeding scheme

A wildlife park has welcomed a female pelican as part of its breeding scheme which aims to secure the bird's population across Europe.

The pink-backed pelican, which was born at Hagenbeck Zoo in Germany, is "settling in well" at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.

She will be part of a scheme aimed at ensuring the genetic diversity and sustainability of pelican's future.

Alistair Keen, Birdland's head keeper, said the female bird is an "important" addition to the park's commitment to pelican conservation.