Feisty pelican tries to swallow woman’s arm at zoo

A feisty pelican tried to swallow a woman’s arm at a wildlife park.

Footage showed the grumpy one-year-old bird, named Han Han, opening its huge beak and clamping its jaws around the startled visitor’s limb.

Tourists looked on in surprise as the Great White Pelican repeatedly chomped down on the woman’s arm, leading to frantic online claims the bird was on a “human-eating” rampage.

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The bizarre encounter took place at Wuhan Wildlife Kingdom in Wuhan, China.

Zoo bosses were forced to step in after the clip racked up millions of views, with social media users jokingly dubbing the bird a “colleague eater” after it also tried to snack on its own keeper.

A park spokesperson has now revealed the truth behind the “attack”, insisting the juvenile bird is actually a “scaredy-cat” who was just trying to protect himself.

Lead keeper Wang Zile confirmed that Han Han is an artificial-bred youngster who is still learning the ropes of zoo life before he starts official performances.

The bird was taking part in a “junior” training parade when he was suddenly surrounded by rowdy crowds of tourists.

Wang said the bird’s prehistoric-looking “pouch” can stretch to fit four or five pounds of fish, making it look like a terrifying “human-swallower” when it opens wide.

He said: “Han Han is only one year old and hasn’t even reached adulthood yet,” adding that the “bite” was a defensive display rather than a real hunt.

Officials at the park confirmed the bird was likely “uneasy or startled” by the sheer number of people trying to “tease” it during the parade.

Despite the fearsome appearance of a human arm inside its beak, the zoo insists the bird “would not really bite” and was simply “scaring people” to get some personal space.

Han Han earned his name because of his sluggish, slightly “silly” personality – he often reacts half a beat slower than the others and panics easily around strangers.

Despite his dopey demeanour, the young bird is said to be an excellent swimmer and flyer.

No injuries were reported, and the park continues its normal operations with safety reminders for guests.

The park is home to five pelicans and Han Han is the only youngster.

The four adults take part in brief displays every afternoon, as reported by Whats The Jam.

Staff advised visitors to never touch a pelican’s head or beak directly, as fully-grown birds have much stronger bites that could cause pain or minor injury.

Pelicans are among the world’s largest water birds with a wingspan that can exceed two metres.

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