Kokos, the pelican that has been synonymous with tourist life at Kato Paphos harbour for years, has a new companion. Chris, a younger male, arrived a few days ago and is still getting used to the harbour.
A large crew from Britain’s Channel 5 visited the harbour a few days ago and filmed an extensive report on the pelicans, which will be broadcast in Britain in the coming days, according to Andros Papiris, owner of the Pelican Restaurant, which keeps both birds.
The restaurant, which is named after the bird, acquired Chris as it did Kokos, Papiris told philenews. Despite the name, Kokos is female, he said.
Chris is spending a few hours a day at the harbour until he gets used to it and feels comfortable there, Papiris said. For now he is still somewhat uneasy and shadows Kokos, who has years of experience in the area.
Tourists in Paphos and local residents, making the most of the good weather over the past week, have been visiting the harbour front to see the newcomer and watch the two pelicans walk among visitors, diners and waiters.
Papiris said the pelican was a huge promotional asset for the harbour and for tourism in Paphos generally, even if people in Paphos had come to take it for granted.
