Baby birds get a helping hand at Chester Zoo. Bird keepers at Chester Zoo are welcoming the arrival of two Fischers turaco chicks. The tiny duo are currently being hand-reared by curator of birds Andrew Owen after they were rejected by their first-time mum. Feeding them every few hours, Andrew has stepped into the role of parent, providing both chicks with round the clock care. Andrew said: It’s not unusual for a first-time mum to feel a little unsure as to what’s she’s to do with her new charges so I’m more than happy to step up and play parent. Encouraging them to eat does require some patience and a little encouragement but once they’ve got full tummies then they’re usually happy to nod off to sleep. As youngsters go, other than meal times, they’ve been pretty un-demanding and I’m relieved to say they’ve not been keeping me up at night. In no time at all though they’ll be ready to fledge and off to join the rest of the birds in the zoo. Fischers turacos are native to Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania where forest clearing and trapping prove a threat to long-term survival of the species. Named after German explorer Gustav Fischer, there are only around 2,500 individuals thought to remain in the wild. Photo credit: Chester Zoo
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 09:00:01 +0000
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