5. The Happy Ending
    Pelicans - Thanks

Pelicans : EL Aquarium welcomes new pair of pelicans

By Andrea Jonker-Bryce

EAST LONDON -- A new pair of pelicans has arrived at the aquarium from up country and is attracting a great deal of attention.

Aquarium curator Willie Maritz said Dennis and Sara, both two years old, were bought with the R10 000 raised by local people after seven seabirds were slain at the aquarium a few months ago.

"We are thrilled to have them, and I thank the public from the bottom of my heart. But it still makes us very sad to think of the birds which died," said Maritz.

He said the pelicans were bought from reputable animal dealers in Johannesburg, who had raised them in captivity.

The birds have been named after SABC Special Assignment journalist Sara Blecher and local SABC cameraman Dennis Goddard, who spent time at the aquarium researching the killing of the birds.

While they were attractive birds, Maritz said they still had to clean themselves properly of the red soil which had been in their previous enclosure.

Although Dennis and Sara are currently donning their pink breeding feathers, Maritz believes they'll need to settle in before they feel comfortable enough to breed.

Maybe next year, he said.

However, he said, they were enjoying their splash pool and were eating well.

Maritz said the investigation into the slaughter of the penguins and pelicans was continuing, and leads were being followed up by police.

He encouraged the public to watch a documentary about the seabirds on Special Assignment tomorrow.

It might even help get further information on the culprits, he said.
 

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