New pelican joins resident mascot at Kato Paphos harbour

The famous pelican of Kato Paphos harbour, known as Kokos, has been joined by a young companion named Chris. Andros Papiris, owner of the local Pelican Restaurant, confirmed that Chris is a young male pelican, aged approximately nine to ten months, who recently arrived from Africa. While the resident pelican is popularly called Kokos, the owner clarified that the bird is actually female. The newcomers' adaptation process involves spending a few hours daily at the harbour to grow accustomed to the surroundings while shadowing the experienced Kokos.

The tradition of having a pelican at the Paphos harbour dates back to 1967, when local fishermen rescued an injured bird. This established a long-standing attraction that has become a symbol of the area and a significant asset for local tourism. The restaurant, originally founded in 1957 as 'Aphrodite,' was renamed 'Pelican' in 1969 to honor the bird's popularity. Following the arrival of Chris, a film crew from Britain’s Channel 5 has documented the pair for an upcoming report, highlighting the continued cultural and promotional importance of these birds to the region.