SmartBirds
Снимка: © Damyan Petkov The Dalmatian Pelican – the most endangered of all eight pelican species in the world – is once again finding a home in Bulgaria. Thanks to the efforts of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) and our partners from the Directorates of the “Persina” and “Ruse Lom” Nature Parks, as well as the Association for Tourism Development in the Tutrakan region, several true miracles have become possible in recent years.
In 2016, after decades when pelicans nested only in the Sreburna Reserve, a second breeding site for the species in our country was established in the marshes of Persina Island. The birds successfully occupied the wooden platforms built for them by BSPB and the Directorate of Persina Nature Park. In 2021, we achieved another tremendous success – a third breeding colony of the Dalmatian pelican was formed in the Kalimok-Brushlen Protected Area near Tutrakan. Here we used an innovative scientific approach – we placed life-sized pelican decoys, which sparked the interest of real birds. This method is now being applied in countries neighboring Bulgaria as well. Gradually, this breeding colony became the largest in the country, with 83 pairs successfully raising 106 young in 2025. Our partners in the area are the Directorate of Rusenski Lom Nature Park and the Association for Tourism Development in the Tutrakan Region.
We continued working for the return of pelicans to Bulgaria, and in 2025 we achieved another success – after nearly 80 years of absence, a breeding colony of Dalmatian pelicans was formed near Burgas as well.
To increase our efforts for a more secure return and better life for pelicans in Bulgaria, we need your help too. Funds are needed for:
- Repair and maintenance of nesting platforms
- Monitoring of breeding colonies and wintering Dalmatian pelicans
- Maintaining and improving video surveillance systems
- GPS/GSM transmitters and colored rings
To carry out the activities in 2026, we need 25 000 BGN/ 12 783 EUR. You can donate through: Platformata.bg , Stripe or by bank transfer IBAN: BG53UBBS81551060107329 BIC: UBBSBGSF United Bulgarian Bank AD Account holder: Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds Reference: Pelicans + phone or email for contact We are grateful for every bit of support in caring for the pelicans. With your help, we will make their home in Bulgarian nature more secure.
