PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, October 17, 2026: Two brown pelicans with permanent wing injuries escaped their habitat at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium on Saturday, prompting a search along the Allegheny River and an urgent appeal for residents to report sightings.
The birds, rescued from a Florida wildlife sanctuary in 2025, cannot hunt normally because of their injuries. Their disappearance has raised concerns about their ability to find food outside the zoo’s care.
Zoo officials confirmed that animal care staff were working to bring both birds back safely. Residents have been instructed not to approach the pelicans and to report sightings through a dedicated hotline.
Search Underway Along Allegheny River Near Highland Park
According to WPXI-TV, crews were searching the Allegheny River between the Highland Park Bridge and 62nd Street Bridge on Saturday morning.
The search area is near the zoo’s Highland Park location. However, officials have not confirmed whether both birds entered the river, remained together or traveled farther from the facility.
Local reports also described possible animal control and river rescue involvement, although the zoo has not publicly detailed the agencies participating in the operation.
The zoo said its animal care team was monitoring the situation and actively working toward a safe recovery.
Escaped Pelicans Have Permanent Wing Injuries
The two missing birds belong to a group of three rescued brown pelicans that arrived at Pittsburgh Zoo in July 2025 from the Seacoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores, Florida.
The birds were identified as Felicity, a female, and Joey and Pierre, both males.
All three suffered permanent wing injuries that affected their ability to hunt. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission determined that they could not safely be released into the wild.
The zoo has not identified which two pelicans escaped.
According to the zoo’s official July 2025 announcement, the rescued birds were given a permanent home in the Kids Kingdom area, where they shared a habitat with Humboldt penguins.
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Why the Birds’ Injuries Make Their Recovery Important
Brown pelicans normally catch fish by diving from the air into water. Their wings play an essential role in reaching feeding areas and performing successful dives.
For the Pittsburgh birds, permanent injuries mean they cannot reliably obtain food without human assistance.
Although the pelicans may still be capable of swimming or limited movement, their ability to survive independently is uncertain.
Unfamiliar waterways, boat traffic and difficulty finding food could present additional challenges. Officials have not reported any new injuries to the missing birds.
Pittsburgh Zoo Pelican Hotline: Residents Asked Not to Approach
The zoo has established a dedicated hotline for anyone who spots the escaped pelicans.
Pelican sightings hotline: 412-365-2528
Residents are advised to:
- Keep a safe distance from the birds.
- Avoid chasing, touching or attempting to capture them.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Report the location and time of any sighting.
- Leave recovery efforts to trained personnel.
Accurate sighting information could help staff narrow the search area without unnecessarily disturbing the animals.
Pittsburgh Zoo Confirms Search as Questions Remain
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium confirmed that both birds were outside their designated habitat and emphasized that their welfare remained its priority.
Several questions remain unanswered, including how the pelicans escaped, which two birds are missing and whether either has been located.
As of the latest reviewed reports on October 17, the zoo had not publicly confirmed their recovery or announced a timetable for bringing them back.
The incident also draws attention to the challenges of protecting animals in managed wildlife facilities. A separate Yorkshire Wildlife Park incident recently highlighted animal-related safety concerns, although the circumstances were different.
Wildlife conservation remains a wider environmental issue, including the pressures affecting natural habitats and ecosystems.
For residents near Highland Park and the Allegheny River, the zoo’s immediate request remains clear: report sightings to 412-365-2528, avoid approaching the birds and allow animal care personnel to manage their safe return.
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