At approximately 8:22 p.m. on Sunday, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a request from the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation to investigate the possible entrapment of a pelican in the weir.

The specialized water rescue craft, designed to operate effectively in unpredictable conditions, was deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River at the weir. The craft was maneuvered along the weir’s boil towards the pelican; however, upon reaching the animal it began to swim away from the rescuers in the craft. Firefighters confirmed that the pelican was not in distress or caught on anything in the water and retreated from the rescue operation.

The Saskatoon Fire Department reportss the pelican’s status will be monitored in the coming days and rescuers will re-deploy if required.