Shops are not just for locals looking to make a purchase it seems.
This pelican was not coping well with the wild weather outside, so took refuge inside Merimbula surf and street wear store Fat Man and the Goddess on the NSW South Coast on Tuesday, March 23.
Iris Imison said the pelican thoroughly checked out the swimwear section and thongs.
"However, I was unable to find the right sizes for him! After an hour's rest here he said goodbye and waddled off to Phantasea.
"There he was welcomed and kept safe until being collected for some much needed TLC by a lovely WIRES volunteer."
Iris said the pelican had put plenty of smiles on people's faces during his brief respite.
"Shops are not just for shopping," Iris said.
"Our local shops are all important meeting places for people - and animals alike it seems - in which they can find a chat, a friendly smile and a sense of community spirit and belonging.
"I wished we would focus more on the importance of shops in that way. Creating welcoming environments and teaching people that without shops, towns would be soulless, empty places."
IN OTHER NEWS:
The pelican is now being looked after by Janine Green of WIRES Far South East branch.
Ben Smyth
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
