Beastly Beat

Oscar & Ernie the White Pelicans

Their Story
Oscar and Ernie have been at the Alexandria Zoo since 2000 and 2003, respectively. Both birds were born in the wild, and upon arrival to the Alexandria Zoo were rehabilitated for different injuries. Oscar had sustained a compound fracture, and his right wing had to be amputated as a result. Ernie was brought in with an eye problem, and the damage was so significant that the eye had to be removed. Oscar and Ernie's injuries were extensive enough to prevent them from being released back into the wild. Although Ernie is still fully flighted, his poor eyesight would make him an easier target for predators and make fishing much more difficult.

Despite losing an eye, Ernie has learned to adapt and is doing very well. It may seem unusual, but sometimes Ernie can be seen swimming in a circle. He has learned to swim in a circle with his good eye facing outward so he can keep tabs on everything that's happening.

Gone Fishin'
An adult pelican can eat about four pounds of fish per day. Unlike the brown pelican, the white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) does not dive to catch its food. Instead, the white pelican dips his head underwater and scoops the fish. This species is very social, and will fish cooperatively in groups. Several pelicans will circle in order to guide their prey into a cluster, making it easier to catch their meal.

The white pelican's immense pouch can hold close to three gallons of water. To make sure he doesn't swallow all of that water along with the fish, the pelican will bend his bill to drain the water, and then tilt his head to let the fish slide down his throat.

At feeding time, keepers will put the pelicans' fish in their pool so visitors can watch how Oscar and Ernie dip their heads to fish. Sometimes their keeper will toss a few fish to the pelicans before putting the rest in their pool. Both Oscar and Ernie have become very skilled at catching the fish in mid air. But before they swallow them, Oscar and Ernie will flip the fish around so the fish go down head first.

Where in the Zoo?
Oscar and Ernie are located in Louisiana Habitat next to the Shrimp Boat.

Click here to learn more about white pelicans.