The pair of Great White Pelicans, never before seen in the North East, are now residents of The Bird of Prey Centre at Northumbrian Water's Leaplish Waterside Park.

Visitors will have the chance to feed the tame birds as well as learn more about the fascinating creatures.

Reaching 5ft tall and with a wingspan of up to 9ft – much bigger than a
swan - the birds have a maximum lifespan of 27 years and are able to fly
about 300 miles without stopping (from Newcastle to London).

Ray Lowden, proprietor of The Birds of Prey Centre, said: "We're delighted to welcome the Great White Pelicans to the North East and to our family at the centre.

"They're such a contrast to the hawks, eagles and other birds
that live here – they will really add something different to our
collection."

A generous £3,000 donation from a happy customer who wishes to stay
anonymous has made it possible for the centre to house the birds who have been named Elisabeth and Giff as a tribute to her.

Ray added: "We are incredibly grateful for the donation that allowed all
this to happen. It is very touching and shows the impact we have on our
visitors. With one being male and one female, we are hoping the birds will mate in five to seven years."

Elisabeth and Giff arrived at The Birds of Prey Centre from a zoo in
Germany. They were bred in captivity like all creatures at the centre which focuses on conservation but also aims to educate and offer a 'hands on' experience.

The centre cares for 74 birds of prey including owls, falcons and vultures, two fallow deer, two wallabies, guinea pigs and red squirrels.

Kielder Water & Forest Park is home to the largest forest in England and
the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe. It was recently voted the
most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.