Zoo's escaped pelican spotted on beach, gives keepers the slip

Ben Hooper
·1 min read
1
UPI
A pelican that escaped from the Blackpool Zoo in England was spotted at Granny's Bay, near Lytham. Photo courtesy of Fylde Council/Facebook

Aug. 15 (UPI) -- A pelican that escaped from a British zoo was located on a beach nearly two weeks later, but managed to give zookeepers the slip.

The 14-week-old pelican escaped from the Blackpool Zoo when it was spooked by a flock of seagulls, zoo officials said.

The bird attempted to fly to the roof of the flamingo house, but was carried away by strong winds.

Officials confirmed the 4-foot bird was spotted on Granny's Bay, near Lytham.

"Our keepers traveled straight to the site and located the bird alive, looking well and on the sea. They waded out and were within meters, but the pelican flew away," a zoo spokesperson told The Manc newspaper.

The Blackpool Zoo announced in April that it is seeking applicants "comfortable wearing a bird costume" to serve as the facility's seagull deterrents. Officials said the seabirds have long been a nuisance at the facility.