Two Toucan Chicks Born at Riverbanks

Guests visiting Riverbanks Zoo and Garden during the Labor Day weekend will be among the first to see the Zoo’s two toco toucan chicks. 

The toucan chicks hatched on July 16. The zoo's bird staff has been hand-raising them since then.

“At about 6 weeks old, the chicks begin to fly, explore their surroundings and learn the skills necessary to feed on their own,” said Martin Vince, curator of birds.

“Because of their young age, however, we will continue to keep them under careful observation during the day and move them into the Bird Conservation Center at night.”

Guests visiting the zoo can watch as bird keepers feed the toucan chicks during a special presentation at 11:30 a.m. daily in the Bird Garden across from Kangaroo Walkabout.

The birds will be moved off exhibit in mid-September to prepare them for transfer to other zoos as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ national breeding program.

Riverbanks has been breeding toco toucans since 1977 and is one of only a few zoos to successfully do so each year.