Brown pelicans in zoo and aquarium settings require careful management of their specialized feeding behavior, social needs, and pool design for good welfare.
Brown pelican welfare in captivity requires accepting that plunge-diving behavior cannot be fully expressed in most zoo pools while providing enrichment that engages related foraging motivation. Fish presentation that encourages searching and pursuit behavior provides some behavioral completeness without requiring the dive height unavailable in captive settings. Colonial housing is essential — solitary pelicans show stress behaviors and reduced welfare. Pool depth and surface area must allow swimming and wing bathing. Regular beak and pouch examinations allow early detection of the infections and injuries common in captive pelicans. Non-releasable pelicans in zoo settings benefit from the social and enrichment opportunities available compared to the isolated welfare compromise of extended rehabilitation holding.