A Real ‘Pelican Crossing’ At Arundel As New Birds Touch Down

Three new Dalmatian pelicans have arrived at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre — and they’re already making a splash with visitors.

The trio — Jean, Wanda and Ghost — have joined the existing flock at Pelican Cove, bringing the total number of the impressive birds at the site to seven.

Having travelled from Berlin in early 2025, the pelicans spent time in quarantine and a further six months at WWT Slimbridge before arriving in Arundel on 22 April.

Dalmatian pelicans are the largest and rarest of their kind, boasting wingspans of up to 10 feet.

Visitors can now watch them fish, socialise and settle into their new home — with their enormous throat pouches capable of scooping up large volumes of water and prey in one go.

Keepers say two of the birds, Jean and Wanda, are thought to be female, while Ghost’s sex is still being confirmed.

At Arundel, pelicans are traditionally named after Marvel superheroes, with the new arrivals joining resident birds Odin, Logan, Storm and Rogue.

Visitors can get a closer look during daily keeper talks at Pelican Cove, where staff share insights into the species and their care.

The wetland centre hopes to grow the flock further in the coming years — with ambitions to create the largest group of Dalmatian pelicans in the UK.