Brevard Zoo Hatch Roseate Spoonbills

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: June 10, 2020 8:37 pm

Photo Credit: Brevard Zoo

The Brevard Zoo located in Melbourne, Florida in the USA has welcomed a pair of roseate spoonbill chicks born just one day apart. The chicks hatched from their eggs on May 16th and May 17th.

Keepers are raising the chicks behind the scenes and they have just started to eat solid food.

The roseate spoonbill is coloured bright pink as an adult and this comes from the food which they eat. They feed on aquatic invertebrates, fish and crustaceans.

Photo Credit: Brevard Zoo

To determine the gender of the chicks their egg membrane was used for a genetic test. Using this test their keeper discovered that the youngest chick was a male. Unfortunately the younger chick’s egg membrane had dried out by the time it was tested and as such the gender of this chick is yet to be determined.

Roseate spoonbills are a species found throughout the Southern USA, through Central America and down in to South America. They are threatened by habitat loss and degradation.

Video Credit: Brevard Zoo

Brevard Zoo support work in the Indian River Lagoon – a stronghold for the species to restore their habitat. This is part of their restore the shore program.

These chicks join a further 900 animals representing almost 200 animals which live at Brevard Zoo.

You can learn more about the Brevard Zoo on their website – Brevard Zoo Website