AssetID: 53194967
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Malagasy Sacred Ibis Born In North America For First Time
Caption: A Malagasy sacred ibis has been hatched in North America for the first time ever. The Houston Zoo was home to this moment of history, marking a significant milestone for this endangered species in a North American zoo. Dr. Jonah Ratsimbazafy, the Zoo's conservation partner from Madagascar, had the honour of naming the female chick during a recent visit. The chosen name, Vorotsara (pronounced VURU-CHARA), translates to "beautiful bird" in Malagasy. The dedicated animal care team at the Zoo closely monitored the flock during breeding season and noticed that the eggs were not receiving proper incubation. Taking a proactive approach, the team decided to artificially incubate a particular egg with the intention of returning it to its parents. However, when the parents abandoned the nest, the team stepped in for hand-rearing. The chick, named Vorotsara, successfully hatched on September 3, and rigorous measures, including creating a quiet zone and using face coverings during interactions, were implemented to ensure proper integration into the flock. With an estimated global population of only 2,300 to 3,000 Malagasy sacred ibis birds remaining, the species is categorised as having a high conservation need by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Houston Zoo, an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution, is one of five zoos in North America to receive a breeding flock from Germany. The Malagasy sacred ibis, exclusive to Madagascar and a few Seychelles islands, faces endangerment due to its limited range, habitat loss, and susceptibility to poaching. Recognised for its historical association with the Ancient Egyptian god Thoth, the bird boasts distinctive features, including a black head, fluffy black feathers on the rump, blue eyes, and a height of two to three feet with a wingspan of three to four feet. To contribute to the conservation effort, guests are encouraged to support bird-friendly practices, such as consuming Bird-Friendly certified coffee, which promotes sustainable farming methods providing shelter and diverse food sources for birds and wildlife.
Keywords: feature,photo,video,ibis,malagasy sacred ibis,houston zoo,birds,nature,natural world
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