Kokos, the Pelican
The Paphos pelican Kokos: In the heart of Paphos, a picturesque coastal city on the south-western edge of Cyprus, there lived a beloved and unusual local celebrity—Kokos, the pelican. His striking white feathers and graceful, long beak made him a familiar sight to both residents and tourists who flocked to the city’s bustling harbour. Kokos was no ordinary pelican; his story became legendary, earning him a place in the hearts of those who came across him. His journey from an orphaned chick to the iconic figure of Paphos Harbour is a tale of resilience, community, and a remarkable bond between humans and wildlife.
The Early Days
The Paphos pelican Kokos was found by a sailor while doing his daily sail with his small boat, He noticed a pelican drifting in the sea…”
The pelican was straggling to float on the sea waters so the sailor leant over and fished him out of the water…
“The pelican had a broken wing and the sailor came ashore One of the restaurateurs volunteer to take care of him. The restaurateur named him Kokos and since he owned a fish restaurant it was fed with fish and got well soon.
When it was time for him to leave – he refused to leave the harbour! He would have a short fly now and then but always return back to the harbour. And that’s how Kokos the pelican was born.
Becoming a Local Star
Kokos quickly grew into a large, majestic pelican, and his gentle nature made him a favourite among the locals. He would follow Andreas to the harbour each morning, waddling along the boardwalk with his huge wings tucked close to his body, much to the amusement of onlookers. It wasn’t long before Kokos became a symbol of Paphos itself. Tourists would stop to take pictures of the bird as he basked in the sun or floated lazily in the clear Mediterranean waters.
The locals soon realized that Kokos had no desire to return to the wild. He seemed to love the human company and the easy availability of fish, which the
fishermen happily provided. The pelican developed a routine—he would visit the harbour daily, strolling through the local markets, resting by the old fortress, and occasionally venturing into nearby tavernas, much to the delight of diners. His presence brought smiles, and for many, Kokos became a symbol of joy, freedom, and the unique charm of Paphos.
A Community’s Guardian
As Kokos became a regular fixture in the town, he did more than entertain. He brought people together. Local artists painted murals of him, children told stories about his adventures, and restaurants named dishes in his honour. His image appeared on postcards, keychains, and even in the windows of shops along the harbour. Kokos was no longer just a bird—he was a part of the community, a symbol of the town’s identity.
Kokos also had an uncanny ability to sense trouble. On several occasions, it was said that he alerted fishermen to rough seas by flying high above the harbour and circling erratically. One winter, when a child accidentally fell into the water, Kokos was the first to react, flapping his wings and squawking until a passer-by noticed and rushed to help.
The Legacy of Kokos
As the years passed, Kokos aged gracefully, and his fame only grew. He became the subject of local legends, with some claiming that he brought good luck to those he visited. It wasn’t uncommon for brides and grooms to hope for a sighting of Kokos during their wedding day, believing it would bless their marriage with happiness.
Sadly, like all legends, Kokos’ time eventually came to an end. One calm summer evening, after many years of bringing joy to Paphos, Kokos passed away
peacefully by the harbour where he had spent his life. His death marked the end of an era, and the entire town mourned the loss of their beloved pelican.
To honour his memory, the people of Paphos erected a bronze statue of Kokos at the harbour, where he had roamed so freely. To this day, the statue stands as a reminder of his enduring spirit, a monument to a bird that was much more than just a pelican. Kokos’ legacy continues to live on, not only in the hearts of those who knew him but in the fabric of Paphos itself, where his story is still told to new generations of visitors.
Through Kokos, the people of Paphos learned the importance of harmony between nature and community, and his story remains a shining example of how a single animal can shape the identity of an entire town.
