LUCKY PELICAN’S RETURN FROM JAWS OF DEFEAT

He was also treated for puncture wounds to his back and other parts of the body.

Wild Bird Rescues’ Rowley Goonan said the tear to his pouch indicated a shark attack.

Lucky was caught by members of the public at Jumpinpin Bar using a net. He was taken to the animal hospital by Mr Goonan.

“He was very lucky,” Mr Goonan said.

“About 12 months ago there was another pelican we believe was attacked by a shark in the same area.”

Mr Goonan said Lucky was likely dipping his head under the water to find fish when he was attacked by the shark.

“There is a very real chance that many of those birds never survive, so we don’t see them.”

Last year 55 pelicans were brought into the hospital for hook injuries or botulism.

Vet nurse Lewis McKillop tends to Lucky the pelican, who needed 200 stitches after a shark attack. Picture: RICHARD GOSLING