Zoo Wins Award for Breeding Endangered Bird Species

An endangered bird species lives on thanks to the work of zookeepers at Riverbanks Zoo.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums recognized the zoo for its efforts in breeding the Bali mynah, an endangered bird species.

The association presented the zoo with the Edward H. Bean award, which recognizes programs that contribute to the reproductive success of one or more species or subspecies. 

Riverbanks has bred 44 Bali mynah since 1973. All of the birds were transferred to other zoos as part of AZA's Species Survival Plan.

A former curator of birds at Riverbanks Zoo, Robert E. Seibels, recognized the role AZA zoos could play in saving the species. In 1981, he created the AZA Bali mynah North American Regional studybook, followed in 1983 by the establishment of the Bali mynah Species Survival Plan.

There are now 155 Bali mynah birds in North America at 55 AZA zoos. Breeding the birds preserves the possibility of re-introducing them in their native range on the Indonesian island of Bali.