Hank the Pelican
Hank, an American White Pelican, has lived at Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge for over 8+ years.
He is unable to fly due to an injury to his left wing during an accident in Oregon. While he is our only year-round American White Pelican, he receives the company of many others who fly in and visit with him at the Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge during the spring and summer seasons.
He can usually be found next to our fresh water bird ponds on the shoreline next to the Rotary Nature Center, swimming around the five bird islands in the refuge or resting on the islands.
Each morning, Hank is fed one fish by our staff and will fish on his own in Lake Merritt for the rest of his dietary needs.
During the breeding season, both male and female White Pelicans grow a “breeding bump” on their bill (visible above), which will fall off at the end of the season.
