COLUMBIA, S.C. — The flock has grown by two at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. A first-ever pair of rare, endangered blue-billed curassows has just hatched.
Usually found only in the tropical forests of Colombia in South America, the species is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is estimated that the blue-billed curassow population totals between 150 to 170 individuals. The pair of hatchlings at Riverbanks is a major win for both genetic diversity for those in human care and awareness of this species at risk.
Riverbanks’ Curator of Birds Colleen Lynch says, “Curassow chicks are precocial—they can fly, perch, eat and drink on their own on day zero. But they do need protection and brooding from their parents. Carl and Claudia are first-time parents and failed to incubate their eggs.” Riverbanks' Bird Conservation Center took care of the eggs through artificial incubation, making sure the chicks hatched and are healthy before being returned to their parents.
The blue-billed curassows aren't the only bird species nesting this spring. Visitors to the zoo may find flamingos, vultures, penguins, and other avians building nests -- and maybe laying some eggs.