Green-winged Macaw Ara chloroptera Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae Overview With regard to their availability and suitability as ambassador animals: Contact the Parrot TAG for availability of macaws through AZA facilities. Macaws do not need to be hand-reared from hatch to make good ambassador birds, in fact, allowing birds to remain with their parents until weaned makes for a healthier individual
Read more
Moluccan Cockatoo Cacatua moluccensis Order: Psittaciformes Family: Cacatuidae Overview With regard to their availability and suitability as ambassador animals: Contact the Parrot TAG for availability of cockatoos through AZA facilities. Cockatoos do not need to be hand-reared from hatch to make good ambassador birds, in fact, allowing birds to remain with their parents until weaned makes for a healthier individual
Read moreHooded Vulture Coragyps atratus Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae Overview With regard to their availability and suitability as ambassador animals: Hooded vultures are an SSP species so if you are an AZA zoo it is recommended that you first contact the SSP coordinator. With good training, this species can be reliable in both flighted and non-flighted situations. Due to their natural
Read more
Eclectus roratus Order: Psittaciformes Husbandry Information Housing Requirements Standard bird cages, bigger is generally better. Be sure it is not made out of galvanized metal because the zinc in the galvanizing is toxic to birds. Diet Requirements In the wild, Eclectus parrots eat fruit, nuts, seeds, berries, flowers, and nectar. In captivity, they are fed pellets, fruit, vegetables, seeds, and mealworms.
Read more
Potamochoerus porcus Order: Artiodactyla Husbandry Information Housing Requirements An enclosure that is proof against extensive rooting and general destruction. No exposed or buried pipes or wires. Square footage is important as this is a terrestrial animal. Some like spacious caves or overhangs. Heat in cool temperatures. May or may not enjoy pools/mud wallows. Diet Requirements Herbivore pellets, fresh produce of
Read more
Macropus rufus Order: Diprodontia Husbandry Information Housing Requirements Open space without too many obstacles. Shelter from rain. They really like lying on heat pads in cold weather. Diet Requirements Hay, herbivore pellets, fresh produce such as lettuce, yams, apples. Veterinary Concerns Kangaroos in captivity are prone to tooth and mouth problems, often called lumpy jaw disease. Notes on Enrichment & Training
Read more
Geochelone elegans Order: Testudines In the United States herpkeepers typically identify Indian and Sri Lankan star tortoises, but both are classified as Geochelone elegans. Husbandry Information Housing Requirements An exhibit 6 feet long by 6 feet wide is sufficient for one to four tortoises with one-foot walls. Temperature, Humidity, & Lighting: Temperature: optimal temperature is between 75 and 90 F. Basking temps at
Read more
Hyacinth Macaw Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae Overview With regard to their availability and suitability as ambassador animals: Contact the Parrot TAG for availability of macaws through AZA facilities. Macaws do not need to be hand-reared from hatch to make good ambassador birds, in fact, allowing birds to remain with their parents until weaned makes for a healthier individual
Read more
Ara ararauna Order: Psittaciformes Husbandry Information Housing Requirements Diet Requirements In the wild, blue and gold macaws eat nuts, berries, fruits, and seeds. They do drink water, but they receive most of the water they need from the food they eat. In captivity, they are fed Zupreem pellets, fruits, vegetables, sunflower seeds, and nuts. Zoo Atlanta feeds Harrison’s parrot pellet, sun
Read moreCockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Order: Psittaciformes Family: Cacatuidae Overview With regard to their availability and suitability as ambassador animals: Cockatiels do not need to be hand-reared from hatch to make good ambassador birds, in fact, allowing birds to remain with their parents until weaned makes for a healthier individual in many cases – both physically and mentally. Parent reared birds can
Read more