At Adelaide Zoo, training isn’t just about showing off tricks – it’s a vital part of how we care for our animals and connect people with nature. One bird helping to lead the way is Salty, an Australian Pelican with a flair for the spotlight.
Salty has a unique background. Hand-raised and previously starring in the film Storm Boy, he’s confident in a training environment and has become a key ambassador for his species. Bird Keeper Megan has been working closely with Salty on some impressive new training behaviours. Using a simple yellow ball on a stick as a target, Megan can guide Salty around the habitat and encourage him to jump onto a rock and hold position.
This behaviour is more than enrichment – it’s a smart solution for animal husbandry. In the near future, the rock will be replaced with a box fitted with a mirror and a camera, allowing keepers to check the underside of Salty’s feet without needing to handle him. It’s a safe, stress-free way to monitor his health and ensure he’s in top condition.
At the moment, Salty is the only pelican undergoing this training. Many of the other pelicans in the flock are shy, but Megan says they’ve been watching Salty closely. “Once they see that he’s comfortable and even enjoying himself, they tend to get curious and more confident. Hopefully, in time, more of them will start participating.”
As spring arrives and breeding season begins, Adelaide Zoo’s pelicans start to show off some spectacular seasonal colours. Salty’s bill turns a soft pink – almost like he’s applied a touch of lipstick – while a deep purple line appears along the centre, and patches of bright yellow light up around his eyes and chest. These dramatic changes are all part of impressing potential mates, and they’re one of the many natural behaviours zoo visitors can witness up close.
When it comes to telling the pelicans apart, keepers look to their eyes and hairstyles. Salty’s got a sleek set of feathers on top of his head that look as though they’ve been gelled straight back, while some of the older males wear longer, wispier styles that resemble comb-overs. Combined with subtle differences in eye shape and expression, it’s enough to help the team tell who’s who – even when they’re out swimming.
Visitors can catch Salty and his flock getting fed every day at 2:30pm, a chance to see him in action and learn more about the care and conservation of this iconic species. It’s a brilliant example of how positive relationships between animals and keepers can make a real difference – not just for individual welfare, but for inspiring the next generation of wildlife lovers.
