Token - Antwerpen Zoo 2 pers.; Pelecanus onocrotalus

The Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) also known as the eastern white pelican, rosy pelican or simply white pelican is a bird in the pelican family.  It breeds from South Eastern Europe through Asia and Africa, in swamps and shallow lakes.

The great white pelican has been rated as a species of concern on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species (IUCN).  It is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, Annexure I under the EU Birds Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds, and Appendix II of the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats.  It is also listed within 108 Special Protection Areas in the European Union.  It occurs within 43 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in its European range. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) is applied.

Description:

Complete series of entrance tokens to Antwerp Zoo (1978-1987).  Minted by the Royal Mint of Belgium, "Monnaies Privées", and engraved by Marcel Mazy.  These medals can still be handed in at the cash desk in lieu of admission tickets, currently at a cost of £27.50 / person (on-line booking – Feb 2025).

Obverse: Animal accompanied by its scientific name.  Reverse: Inscriptions plus entrance details (No. of people) - 30.00 mm

The complete series of Antwerp Zoo entrance tokens consists of 10 sets.  Each set consists of four entrance tokens, with a total of 10 entries:  For 1 person (in copper).  For 2 people (in nickel silver).  For 3 people (in imitation ‘billon’ silver).  For 4 people (in silver).  Only 2,000 sets were minted.

Cubs were sold at 140Fb per entry, i.e. 1,400 Fb per set (+ 60Fb shipping).  In total, 100 entries to Antwerp Zoo.