Exciting News from Columbia: A Toco Toucan Chick is Born!
Columbia, a city known for its vibrant culture and lively community, has been buzzing with excitement lately. Residents have something truly special to celebrate: the arrival of a new toco toucan chick at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden! This delightful news couldn’t have come at a better time, especially as the zoo has had its share of challenges in raising these exotic birds.
A Long-Awaited Joy
The proud parents, Ramsay and Dora, have been at the zoo for a few years now, with Ramsay arriving in 2018 and Dora following in 2019. The couple was introduced just six months after Dora’s arrival, but it has taken some time for them to produce offspring. After more than a decade of perseverance, the bird team at Riverbanks Zoo finally got lucky this summer when they welcomed their little bundle of joy.
“I always hoped this day would come, but honestly didn’t think it would,” expressed bird keeper Amy Gooding. Her excitement was palpable as she recounted the moment when she discovered the first fertile egg. “I screamed for joy when I found out we had a fertile egg, and now to see this little guy hopping around … it’s why I got into this field.”
The Breeding Challenge
Breeding toucans in captivity is no easy feat. In fact, it has been noted that these birds often struggle in controlled environments, and Riverbanks Zoo has not had a hatchling toucan born in a decade. That makes this recent event even more remarkable and a crucial milestone in the zoo’s history.
As part of its mission, the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, which has been an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1978, focuses heavily on conservation efforts. The successful breeding of toucans is just one element of their extensive work. The zoo is well-known for other breeding programs aimed at rearing endangered species, like the Golden lion tamarin and the black howler monkey.
Meet the New Chick!
The adorable new hatchling is currently learning to fly and eat at the zoo’s Bird Conservation Center. While it still doesn’t have a name, zoo visitors will soon have the chance to meet this cute chick starting in springtime. Excitingly, the chick’s gender will soon be revealed through a feather test, which has many spectators eagerly anticipating the outcome.
Plans for the Future
As the chick continues to thrive, Ramsay and Dora are currently residing in a “backstage habitat” that allows zookeepers to pay close attention to them. There’s more joy in store, as staff have set up new private nesting areas to encourage more breeding opportunities. Zookeepers are also working hard to replicate the successful nesting habitat of Ramsay and Dora for the zoo’s other pair of adult toucans, hoping to recreate this magical moment.
Join the Celebration!
As the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden celebrates this momentous occasion, locals and animal lovers alike are invited to come out and support their incredible work in conservation. With its core mission aimed at protecting and nurturing endangered species, this treasured institution is a vital part of the Columbia community.
This remarkable event is not just a win for the zoo, but for everyone who cares about wildlife and conservation. So whether you’re a resident or just passing through, consider planning a visit to meet the newest member of the Riverbanks family. It sounds like a great opportunity to spread some joy and witness nature at its best—something we could all use a bit of these days!
