Published on: 2026-04-29
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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After the health check at the lake, 10 curly pelicans and four pink pelicans appeared, which live in the center of the breeding of rare animal species of the Moscow Zoo, subordinate to the capitalDepartment of Culture. Specialists checked the condition of the paws, beaks, and feather covering of the birds.
In winter, pelicans are kept in an insulated floating house, which allows them to stay on the lake year-round. With the arrival of spring, the birds are released into the water, and they rest on a comfortable pontoon.
“The pelicans underwent all procedures with such dignity, as if it were not even being checked, but they descended to the reception. And each time the verdict ‘healthy’ felt like a small victory. It was confirmed that the conditions created by the zoologists are optimal for these rare birds,” said Svetlana Akulova, General Director of the Moscow Zoo.
Specialists from the breeding center studied pelican colonies at Lake Manych-Gudilo in the Stavropol region to develop a method for keeping these birds.
Every day at 13:00 in the rare animal breeding center, there is a thematic excursion “Birds of the center,” where you can see these pets. A preliminary registration by phone is required for the excursion: +7 962 971 32 45, +7 903 004 94 25. We remind you that since 2021, the specialists of the institution have been implementing a program for the rehabilitation of the curly and pink pelicans.
Curly pelicans
This is the rarest species among all pelicans. It is listed in the International Red Book as a species threatened with extinction. The population of the Dalmatian pelicans is rapidly declining: today there are no more than 20,000 individuals worldwide. The Moscow Zoo actively participates in the conservation of this species.
The body length of these birds reaches 180 cm, the wingspan is up to 3.5 meters, and the weight is 12–13 kilograms. The head is adorned with long curly feathers.
The main diet of curly pelicans consists of fish: carp, bream, perch, herring, and roach. The birds eat both small and large fish weighing up to three kilograms. They swallow their prey whole and digest it along with the scales and bones.
In Russia, the nesting places of this rare species are found in the south: at the junction of Stavropol Krai, Kalmykia, and Rostov Oblast. The curly pelicans arrive here in February – March, build massive nests, and soon lay eggs.
Roseate pelicans
This is a large migratory bird that inhabits shallow-water lakes and river deltas in the territory from Southeastern Europe to Central Asia. The main distinctive features of the species are pink plumage and a massive bill with a throat pouch, which the pelican uses as a net for catching fish. The diet includes bleak, carp, as well as special feed additives that provide the body with essential vitamins.
Pelicans are social birds: they nest in colonies and gather in small flocks, lining up on the water and driving fish into shallow water. They form permanent pairs for the season. In Russia, the pink pelican is also listed in the Red Book.
Today the Moscow Zoo is an actively developing space where scientific work is conducted, international conferences are held, educational programs are implemented, and a unique atmosphere is created daily for residents and guests of the capital to get acquainted with the amazing world of wildlife.
At the beginning of 2025, the Moscow Zoo set a world record for the number of animal species represented — 1,253 species. By 2026, this number exceeded 1,280.
The event program at the Moscow Zoo contributes to the implementation of the goals and objectives of the national project in Moscow“Family”. More details about the national projects of Russia and the contribution of the capital can be found atspecial page.
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