The North Coast got a bit of a peculiar visitor this week, with a pelican being spotted around the docks in Port Edward.
The presence of the pelican was unexpected and, after a few days in Port Ed, was taken to the Prince Rupert Wildlife Shelter and the care of Nancy and Gunther Golinia.
"It had a few bangs on his head, which could have come from other birds or a boat or people, and one wing was hurt but that didn't inhibit his ability to fly. It also had some feather lice, which we took care of right away," said Nancy, noting that the hope was to have the bird transported to Vancouver on Thursday.
"We've had a lot of different animals in here, but we've never had a pelican and probably won't have another one."
The pelican is just one of many animals being cared for by the Golinias at the shelter - including a snow owl, seven saw whet owls, a red tail hawk, a goshawk, ducks and countless cats. The Golinias have been caring for animals for the past 23 years, with the help of volunteers, and it is a costly endeavour.
"We haven't seen a pension cheque in years...We just put it all into the shelter," said Nancy, noting that there is still a lot of work to do.
"There is enough work out here to keep a dozen people busy."
Currently the shelter is in need of a number of things, including more gravel for the pens, more pens for the animals and enough food of all kinds to feed them all. People who want to help can make a donation at City Hall, with cheques made out to "City of Prince Rupert Wildlife Shelter Donation".
Also, anyone looking to adopt a cat can do so at the shelter at no cost. All Nancy and Gunther as is that the cats go to a good home.