2 pelicans rescued after escaping their enclosure at the Pittsburgh Zoo

PITTSBURGH — A pair of pelicans was rescued Saturday after escaping their enclosure at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.

The Pittsburgh Zoo confirmed to Channel 11 around 11 a.m. that they were “aware that two pelicans are currently outside of their habitat.”

“Our animal care team is monitoring the situation and is actively working on their safe return,” a statement from the zoo reads. “Animal safety and well-being remain our top priority. We will share additional information as it becomes available.”

A Channel 11 photographer captured crews searching for the pelicans between the Highland Park Bridge and 62nd Street Bridge.

At 4 p.m., the zoo said that one of the pelicans, Joey, had been safely rescued from the Allegheny River near Sharpsburg.

The second bird, Felicity, was still being monitored by zoo officials, who are “optimistic” about her rescue.

Around 4:46 p.m., Felicity was also rescued. Channel 11 cameras captured her back in zoo officials’ care.

“Zoo staff are overjoyed and relieved that the birds are healthy, and deeply grateful for the community’s support during this event,” the zoo said in a social media post.

The zoo reportedly took more than a dozen tips from the public, and received help from Pittsburgh River Rescue, Three Rivers Waterkeeper, the Army Corps of Engineers and the National Aviary.

Both birds will undergo a health check back at the zoo before returning to their habitat.

The pelicans arrived at the Pittsburgh Zoo in July 2025 and live with the Humboldt penguins.

In a social media post from July 11, 2025, Seaside Seabird Sanctuary said the pelicans could not be released back into the wild due to wing injuries from fishing tackle.

Channel 11 has been following this story for hours. Reporter Nick Papantonis was there to see the second pelican’s rescue. Tune in to Channel 11 News at 6 p.m. after WNBA coverage for more on the im-peck-able operation.

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