Incredibly rare — and strange looking — pelicans are being raised at the San Diego Zoo

They look like prehistoric creatures, but they are actually brand new, baby Dalmatian pelicans being raised at the San Diego Zoo.

Dalmatian pelicans are the largest of the pelican species, and live in the wetlands and rivers of Europe and Asia. The two chicks are both less than two weeks old, and because their parents are unable to raise them, they are being taken care of at the San Diego Zoo's Aviation Propagation Center. In a few weeks, their downy feathers will start to come in, and in about two months they are expected to be strong enough to go back to their flock at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The Dalmatian pelican is a rare species, and considered vulnerable. —Catherine Garcia

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up