The Cabildo of Lanzarote, in collaboration with the Government of the Canary Islands, has carried out the capture of two pelicans of the species Pelecanus onocrotalus, which were sighted last Saturday, December 7, in La Graciosa. The intervention of the Environmental Agents corps responds to animal protection criteria, safety for the population and the need to investigate the origin of these birds.
The Minister of the Environment, Samuel Martín, stresses the importance of acting quickly and in coordination: "The appearance of these pelicans in La Graciosa is an extraordinary event, and we have acted with the utmost responsibility to guarantee their well-being and the tranquility of the population. We are working to protect the specimens and ensure both their health and the safety of all."
From the Environment area, they clarify that by virtue of an agreement between the Cabildo of Lanzarote and the Rancho Texas zoological park, a provisional transfer of the two pelicans has been made while their origin and physical condition are determined, since this space has the facilities and specialized personnel necessary to guarantee the well-being of the birds during this period.
The capture of the specimens was carried out to fulfill several fundamental objectives, such as the protection of the birds, as they were near populated areas, since there was a risk that the pelicans would suffer damage due to human interactions, such as attempts to feed, play or physical contact; the determination of their origin, since one of the pelicans was ringed, which could indicate that it comes from a zoological park; and the health evaluation, since both specimens will be subjected to a veterinary examination to assess their health status and rule out possible transmissible diseases or conditions that may affect their well-being.
A possible migratory deviation
Although the exact reasons for the arrival of these pelicans in La Graciosa are unknown, hypotheses are being considered such as a deviation in their migratory route between Europe and Africa due to adverse weather conditions or the weakness of the specimens.
If it is confirmed that the specimens belong to the natural environment, the Cabildo will manage their return to the natural habitat through a controlled release. If they come from a zoological park, they will be returned to their place of origin.
The Cabildo of Lanzarote appreciates the collaboration of all the organizations involved in this action, which demonstrates the institution's commitment to the conservation of fauna and the protection of the island environment.
