Two toco toucan chicks are being hand reared at Paignton Zoo due to their parents failing to raise previous hatched chicks. The task of bringing up the birds falls on Nikki Watt, a bird keeper from the Devon based zoo. The charity zoo is the only collection in the UK to have hatched this species this year, and one of three who have bred the remarkable bird in 2017, in Europe.
These baby chicks will grow into one of the most striking and familiar bird in the world – the toco is the largest and best-known member of the toucan family. At a few days old, these chicks were blind and helpless. Nikki has fulfilled the role of the mother, and nurtured them for a month.
But, it’s no easy job. The chicks require feeding at 7am, every 2 hours until 10pm. They feed on a special baby bird formula and fruit prepared and delivered by hand, Nikki records the amounts eaten at every sitting.
The birds are expected to grow into the beautiful adults they become thanks to Nikki’s tireless efforts.
For more information about the Paignton Zoo, click HERE.
< Back to the newsA vast collection of animals await visitors at Paignton Zoo including the rare Cuban crocodile, black rhino, sumatran tiger and giant tortoise.
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