Zoo Atlanta Add White Storks to Exhibit

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: February 12, 2021 9:40 pm

White storks Betty and Vanna have gone on exhibit at Zoo Atlanta

Photo Credit: Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta have added two new members to their animal family which currently includes over 1,000 animals. The recent arrivals are 4 year old white stork sisters. The sisters are known as Betty and Vanna.

Their arrival at the zoo occurred as the result of a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) program.

“We’re excited to welcome such a charismatic bird species to Zoo Atlanta. This is a great example of the many ways Species Survival Plans work,” said Jennifer Mickelberg, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation.

“While this species will not be breeding here at the Zoo, we play a role by housing these two individuals, thus making more spaces and resources available to other organizations with established breeding programs. We look forward to introducing Betty and Vanna to our Members and guests.”

At Zoo Atlanta guests can now meet the white storks in their habitat at the Orkin Children’s Zoo.

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White storks are large birds which have wingspans exceeding 6ft and standing 3.5ft tall. These birds are opportunistic carnivores. They undertake a yearly migration with the birds spending part of the year at the breeding grounds in Europe and Asia before migrating south to Africa for winter.

It is thought that these birds are believed to be the inspiration for the legend of the stork delivering babies. Their body is white or off-white with black primary feathers on their wings and red legs. In some parts of their range they will nest on the tops of buildings.

Learn more about the Zoo Atlanta on their website – Zoo Atlanta