As we say a fulsome farewell to 2020, the Woodland Park Zoo has reported on a great new addition to the critters’ community. On November 16th, the animal care staff successfully aided in the hatching of a Red-Crested Turaco chick – the first of its species hatched at the Zoo since 1984.
The female Turaco at Woodland Park has laid eggs, but in the past fertile eggs had failed to develop. This time, the experienced staff incubated the eggs behind-the-scenes and hand-reared the chicks. Hand-rearing requires precise timed feedings, and careful monitoring of brooder temperatures. Of the two eggs laid, only one survived – recently determined to be female – and she is thriving and growing by the day!
As a young hatchling, this chick was quite the fluffball. Soon, her head will be bright and colorful like her parents. There are 24 different species of Turacos, all of them native to Africa. At Woodland Park, the Red-Crested Turacos live in the Conservation Aviary where you might be able to hear these vocal birds before you see them. The sound of their call is often compared to a monkey!
The chick’s personality is starting to show, and her caregivers say she is very observant and curious. With current health and safety protocols in place, the Conservation Aviary is not currently open for visitors – but the rest of the Zoo is! The Zoo is open for visitors to the critters, during the day, and for viewing of the WildLanterns display during our dark evenings.
Illuminate your night with a walk through the WildLanterns exhibit, sponsored by Sound Credit Union. WildLanterns will be on-display until January 17th, from 4p – 8:30p. This immersive experience features large-scale animal and nature-scape lanterns in a presentation that will ‘WOW’ anyone, no matter their age!
Reserve a timed-entry ticket to see the critters or their lighted lantern stand-ins, and find out more on the activities at Woodland Park, on the Zoo.org website (click here.)