After 3 Decades Woodland Park Zoo Hatch A Turaco

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 31, 2020 8:59 pm

The red-crested turaco chick is developing its feathers at Woodland Park Zoo

Photo Credit: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo have ended 2020 with the exciting announcement that they have hatched a red-crested turaco chick more than three decades since they last hatched one. Their last chick hatched in 1984 while this one hatched on November 16th 2020.

Previously the zoo’s pair of red-crested turacos have failed to raise their chicks successfully. When the female laid eggs a few months ago keepers chose to take the eggs and incubate them behind the scenes.

The red-crested turaco chick while it was being hand-reared at the Woodland Park Zoo

Photo Credit: Woodland Park Zoo

Two chicks were hatched but one did not survive. The other, a female was hand-reared by keeeers. The hand-rearing process saw keepers providing precisely timed feedings throughout the day and evening. They also carefully monitored the temperature of the brooder to ensure the chick was healthy.

At hatching the chick was a fluffball but she is already starting to grow in her colorful adult plumage. The chick is now 44 days old and has started to show off her observant and curious personality.

— AD —

24 species of turaco can be found in Africa. Red-crested turacos are not currently listed as endangered but their populations are declining due to habitat destruction and collection for the pet trade.

At Woodland Park Zoo you would typically be able to meet red-crested turacos in the Conservation aviary but this space is currently closed as part of health precautions. Often you will hear their monkey like call before you see them.