Newquay Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of three green araçari toucan chicks, a remarkable first for the zoo in its 55-year history. These three chicks—two males and one female—have just taken their first flights, marking a significant milestone in their development.
Dan Trevelyan, senior animal keeper at Newquay Zoo, described the chicks’ early days: “When they hatched, they looked more like little dinosaurs. But now, with their feathers grown in, we’ve been able to identify them by the colors of their heads.” He noted that males sport dark black neck and head feathers, while females have a reddish-brown hue.
Trevelyan added, “Watching the chicks grow and transform day by day has been an incredible experience.”
Green araçaris, like other toucans, are known for their monogamous and cooperative parenting. Both parents share responsibilities, taking turns incubating the eggs, feeding their young, and caring for the fledglings once they leave the nest.
The 12-year-old female has been a resident of Newquay Zoo since 2017, while the young male arrived from Cotswolds Wildlife Park in February.
Native to the lowland forests of northeastern South America, including Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela, green araçaris are not currently endangered. However, they are vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation and are popular in the exotic pet trade.
Newquay Zoo remains committed to conservation efforts, celebrating these new arrivals as a symbol of hope for the species’ future.