Welcoming Another Addition to the Rainforest Aviary

We have some high-flying good news to share—a second southern bald ibis chick successfully fledged in the African Rainforest Aviary!

This is just the second ever southern bald ibis chick to successfully fledge here at the zoo, following ‘Maloti’, who hatched earlier this spring. With the species listed as Near Threatened, and the AZA population currently in decline, this hatchling represents an important milestone for populations in human care and the species as a whole.

Sire ‘Kafue’ and dam ‘Malawi’ have been feeding the chick well, and we have seen the chick grow in confidence as it gradually begins to explore the aviary. This latest hatchling looks very similar to sibling Maloti, but can be distinguished by being slightly smaller, with more feathers on its head.

Stop by to say hello!