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Riverbanks celebrates hatching of critically endangered birds (Page 169)

The flock at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has announced its first-ever hatchings of two rare blue-billed curassows. The milestone comes on the heels of Riverbanks receiving the Plume Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Avian Scientific Advisory Group. Riverbanks has long served as a leader in aviculture among the AZA community, and these achievements underscore the Zoo’s outstanding work in bird care and conservation.

Blue-billed curassows are found only in a few tropical forests of Colombia, South America. The species is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with a total population estimated between 150–700 individuals, making the hatchings at Riverbanks a major win both for genetic diversity for those in human care and awareness of this species at risk.

Riverbanks’ Curator of Birds Colleen Lynch says, “Curassow chicks are precocial—they can fly, perch, eat and drink on their own on day zero. But they do need protection and brooding from their parents. Carl and Claudia are first-time parents and failed to incubate their eggs.” Luckily, the bird team at Riverbanks has substantial expertise in artificial incubation. “That’s when the keepers stepped in to care for the eggs in the Bird Conservation Center. We hope to reunite our growing curassow clan as soon as possible.”

Riverbanks continues to make significant advancements in bird husbandry and chick rearing. In March, Lynch accepted the 2022 Plume Award recognizing the success of the Zoo’s flamingo program. The Parent-Assist Rearing of Caribbean Flamingos Project was hatched in 2011 by then senior keeper of birds at Riverbanks, Kate Lyngle-Cowand, to optimize care for flamingo eggs and chicks by mimicking parenting behaviors seen in wild flamingo flocks. While Lyngle-Cowand has since moved to the Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City, Utah, the bird team at Riverbanks carries on her work to this day and shares the honor with the Tracy Aviary.

This is the second time Riverbanks received the Plume Award. In 2021, Riverbanks was honored for significant contributions to the sustainability of bird populations in an AZA facility.

For those planning a visit to Riverbanks, guests may notice an abundance of nesting activities around the park. From flamingos to fairy bluebirds, vultures to penguins, many plumed residents at the Zoo are actively engaging in nesting behaviors (or will be soon). While nest building does not guarantee eggs or chicks, with so much fluff and circumstance, the Zoo remains hopeful for some new feathered friends to join the Riverbanks family in the not-too-distant future.

Riverbanks celebrates hatching of critically endangered birds

2023-05-08
By: John
On: May 8, 2023
In: Recreation

The flock at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has announced its first-ever hatchings of two rare blue-billed curassows. The milestone comes on the heels of RiverbanksContinue Reading

Broadway in Columbia announces new season’s shows

2023-05-08
By: John
On: May 8, 2023
In: Entertainment

Broadway in Columbia, presented by Bank of America, has announced Broadway’s biggest hits will be coming to Columbia’s Koger Center for the Arts as partContinue Reading

Richland Two Graduates Largest Cohort Ever from Avid Early College

2023-05-08
By: John
On: May 8, 2023
In: Education

The third cohort of students recently graduated from the Richland Two AVID Early College at Ridge View High School. Twenty-two students, who worked diligently overContinue Reading

Cyber Security Tip: Why antivirus is not enough anymore

2023-05-08
By: John
On: May 8, 2023
In: Business

By Matt Belyus www.valettech.net Most people think that if they have antivirus on their computer they are safe from hackers. Here’s the truth: you areContinue Reading

Living Wright Spring Fundraiser

2023-05-08
By: John
On: May 8, 2023
In: Events

The Living Wright Foundation invites the public to join us in celebration of Spring and the arrival of our bee hives at the community farmContinue Reading

Taylor Watford Foundation Run/Walk for Hope

2023-05-08
By: John
On: May 8, 2023
In: Events

The 2nd annual Taylor Watford Foundation Run/Walk for Hope is at 8 a.m. on May 20. Register at: strictlyrunning.com The race starts on 7th StreetContinue Reading

ECPI team takes first place in cyber defense competition

2023-05-05
By: John
On: May 5, 2023
In: Education

ECPI University’s Columbia campus cybersecurity team, D0wn the L1ine, earned first place at the Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition (PCDC) April 16. ECPI University surpassed nineContinue Reading

Comet Sweeps awards at Statewide Transportation competition, advances to Nationals

2023-05-05
By: John
On: May 5, 2023
In: Business

(May 3, 2023) Columbia, SC – Bus Operators and Maintenance staff of The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) scored in every category atContinue Reading

Sheriff shares safety tips with seniors at Still Hopes

2023-05-05
By: John
On: May 5, 2023
In: Community News

By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott helped launch the Life Engagements Town Hall series at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community inContinue Reading

U.S. Special Operators named IRONMEN

2023-05-05
By: John
On: May 5, 2023
In: Military

Army Green Beret and Recon Marine receive coveted GEA designation By Alex Junes-Ward Global Eco Adventures (GEA) has announced IRONMAN designations for two U.S. militaryContinue Reading

Lexington County to kick off Ag+Art Tour Saturday

2023-05-03
By: John
On: May 3, 2023
In: Events

Lexington County is set to kick off the 2023 South Carolina Ag+Art Tour this Saturday, May 6 from 10 am – 4 pm. Visit sevenContinue Reading

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