Trio of New Dalmatian Pelicans Arrive at WWT Arundel

Spring has brought some big new personalities to WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, as three Dalmatian pelicans settle into their new home at the popular Pelican Cove exhibit.

The new arrivals – Jean, Wanda and Ghost – have joined the existing pelican flock at the West Sussex wetland centre, bringing the total number of these remarkable birds to seven.

Meet the New Birds

Before making their public debut, the trio spent their first week settling into the Pelican Barn, where they had time to adjust to the sights and sounds of their new surroundings, as well as get to know their new flock mates Rogue, Storm, Logan and Odin.

At WWT Arundel, pelicans are traditionally named after Marvel superheroes, so their names are no coincidence.

The birds originally travelled to the UK from a zoo in Berlin in February 2025. After completing quarantine, they spent six months settling in at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre’s Conservation Breeding Unit in Gloucestershire before making their final journey to WWT Arundel, where they arrived on 22 April 2026.

A Big Day Out for Visitors

Dalmatian pelicans are the largest and rarest species of pelican, with an impressive wingspan of up to 10 feet. Watching them fish is a real highlight for visitors, as they use their enormous throat pouches – capable of holding the equivalent of three buckets of water – to scoop up prey.

Visitors can spot the birds enjoying the spacious Pelican Cove exhibit, complete with a large pond and island perches where they preen, sunbathe and socialise. Behind the scenes, the Pelican Barn provides a quieter space for health checks, weighing and downtime away from the public.

Keepers feed the pelicans several times a day to match their impressive appetites, and visitors are invited to join the daily 2pm Meet the Keepers talk at Pelican Cove, where staff share fascinating insights and answer questions about these show-stopping birds.

Looking Ahead

Dalmatian pelicans are long-lived birds and do not usually begin breeding until around seven years old, meaning there could be even more excitement to come as the flock matures.

Marc Boardman, Head of Living Collection at WWT, said:

“Our ambition is to grow the Pelican Cove flock to around ten birds, which would be the largest resident group of Dalmatian pelicans in the UK.

“A bigger flock is more natural and, as the birds mature, may even lead to breeding activity in the future.”

For now, visitors can enjoy watching these gentle giants settle into their new home – a spectacular sight and a perfect reason for a spring visit to WWT Arundel.

Meet the Full Dalmatian Pelican Line-Up

• Jean – female, 4 years old, yellow leg band RAH
• Wanda – female, 7 years old, green leg band YAJ
• Ghost – female, 5 years old, no leg band
• Odin – male, 3.5 years old, green leg band ZLG
• Logan – male, 2.5 years old, green leg band JBC
• Storm – female, 7 years old, white leg band ZBD
• Rogue – female, 7 years old, green leg band ZLH

About WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

Set within 65 acres of beautiful wetland habitat in the South Downs National Park, WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is a haven for wildlife and one of Sussex’s best nature attractions.

Visitors of all ages can meet Dalmatian pelicans and diving ducks, wander through reedbeds, or explore by boat safari. The reedbed at Arundel is one of the largest in Sussex and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Eight wildlife hides offer up-close views of the centre’s incredible birdlife throughout the seasons. In spring, sand martins return to nest in artificial sand banks, while kingfishers build nests around the Arun Riverlife Lagoon. Summer brings a burst of wildflowers across the wetlands, with bees filling the bug hotels and dragonflies darting through the reeds.

In autumn, herons and cormorants gather in greater numbers on the large lagoon, while winter welcomes marsh harriers, little egrets and flocks of lapwings.

WWT is a charity dedicated to restoring wetlands in the UK and around the world. Every action taken helps wetlands flourish once more – and when wetlands thrive, all life thrives.