You may have heard about our now social media-famous Swan and Pelican duo who have been recovering at DCHS’s Wildlife Center over the past few months. Both suffered injuries that left them unable to survive in the wild, so we were looking for permanent placements for them with a licensed captive wildlife facility, AZA accredited zoo, or bird sanctuary.

We have exciting news to update our supporters about: the Swan and Pelican have found homes in two very different areas of the country to live for the rest of their lives. We are glad to have been a part of their journeys.

“Franklin” the Trumpeter Swan was officially transferred to the Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo, Wisconsin last month to be part of their permanent native wildlife display. He now lives in a beautiful 6-acre enclosure with other non-releasable animals, such as an eagle, a deer, and a goose. Joe, a DCHS's Wildlife Center volunteer, helped make the transfer happen, and staff member Geneva went to check on Franklin a week later. All reports say that he’s thriving in his new home!

“Kevin” the American White Pelican, as he was kindly nicknamed, moved outdoors to our large duck enclosures as soon as the spring temperatures began to warm. He is still eating boat-loads of fish every day and enjoys swimming in his deep stock pond, all while he awaits permanent placement to join another single pelican at Zootah in Logan, Utah. His transfer paperwork was officially approved by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, so it won’t be long until he makes the long trip West.

“The excitement of our beloved, fish-eating patient is palpable! We are preparing him for his new home in Utah with another Pelican friend. He waddles with great gusto and charges with even more at feeding time. He welcomes each volunteer that has had a hand in his care, and each of us will miss him dearly,” says DCHS's Wildlife Center staff member Ashton Whitaker.

Jackie Sandberg is the Wildlife Program Manager at DCHS's Wildlife Center