Hyacinth Macaw Chick Now on Display

On May 20, 2012, a new Hyacinth macaw chick hatched at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.   Both protective parents watched as their chick emerged from the nest box for the public to see in early August.  This new addition to the Zoo’s collection is the second chick hatched by this pair of parents at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.  In the wild, Hyacinth macaws can be found in the forests of Central South America.  Visitors are able to view the Hyacinth macaw chick in the Zoo’s Discovery Center.  This largest member of the macaw family is considered an endangered species, largely due to their popularity as pets. This species of macaw is protected by the Brazilian government, where the macaw is found in the wild, and is listed as Appendix 1 of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).  A CITES listing restricts the ability for individuals to sell this species internationally thus protecting the species in its home of Brazil.  In 2011, only two Hyacinth macaw chick hatchings were reported in zoos; one in France and one in Indianapolis. 

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Talkin’ Takin!

Hello from Pico the Toucan!

I’m pleased to announce two new friends who moved into the Zoo! A male and female takin are now on exhibit in the Asian area of the Zoo, and can be found in the large centrally located yard. With horns like a wildebeest, a nose like a moose, and a body like a bison, it is easy to see why this animal was apparently the inspiration behind the character “Beast” from Disney’s movie Beauty and the Beast. Two coats of fur keep takin protected from the cold in their native habitat of the Himalayas. Tale, the male is four years old and came from the St. Louis Zoo. Two year old female Dawa arrived from the Los Angeles Zoo. According to Amos Morris, Zoo Director, “We are always excited to add a new species of animal to our collection at the Zoo, especially one with so much conservation significance.” We hope you come out and meet our two newest residents! And, stop by AMAZONIA to say hello to your favorite toucan:)!

Pico

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