New Toco Toucan Chick Hatches at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia

Exciting News from Columbia: A New Toco Toucan Chick at Riverbanks Zoo!

Columbia, S.C. is buzzing with excitement as Riverbanks Zoo welcomes a brand-new addition to its feathered family! After more than a decade, the zoo’s award-winning bird team has successfully hatched a Toco Toucan chick, thrilling both staff and visitors alike. For those who love to stay in the loop about animal arrivals, this is an event to celebrate!

The Journey of Ramsay and Dora

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. The proud toucan parents, Ramsay and Dora, were introduced to each other back in June 2019. Ever since then, the dedicated bird team at the zoo has been hopeful that they would someday have their own little chick. Ramsay and Dora each joined the zoo at different times: Ramsay in July 2018 and Dora in January 2019. The wait might have felt long, but this moment is so much sweeter now that it’s finally here!

A Day of Celebration!

Imagine the sheer joy and excitement when the bird team discovered a fertile egg! According to Riverbanks Bird Keeper, Amy Gooding, her reaction was nothing short of ecstatic. She recounted, “I always hoped this day would come, but honestly didn’t think it would. I screamed for joy when I found out we had a fertile egg, and now to see this little guy hopping around…it’s why I got into this field.”

Meet the New Chick!

Although the little Toco Toucan chick is still quite young and finding its feet, visitors won’t have to wait too long to get a glimpse of this charming new addition. The zoo plans to have the chick on exhibit in the spring of 2025, giving everyone something to look forward to! Imagine watching that adorable chick interact with its environment, flapping its little wings, and showing off its vibrant personality.

What to Expect

The Toco Toucan is recognized as one of the most colorful birds around, with its striking orange bill and bright plumage. With the arrival of this chick, the team at Riverbanks Zoo is eager to share information with guests about the ecological significance of these birds, their natural habitats, and the conservation efforts that help protect them in the wild.

As spring 2025 approaches, keep your calendars marked and your cameras ready! This new chick is destined to be a hit among zoo-goers, who will love watching it grow and thrive. There will likely be various educational programs and family-friendly activities centered around the new Toco Toucan, so it’s a good idea to stay tuned to the zoo’s updates. Bring along your family and friends, and get ready for a day filled with fun, learning, and of course, plenty of birdwatching!

A Bright Future Ahead

As the zoo continues to focus on conservation and education, the arrival of this new chick represents a hopeful future. It’s an opportunity for people to connect with wildlife and learn more about the importance of preserving biodiversity. After all, whether you’re an animal enthusiast or just looking for a nice family outing, Riverbanks Zoo aims to provide an adventure that everyone can enjoy.

So, there you have it! Columbia is gearing up for a wonderful little Toco Toucan experience that will ultimately leave a lasting impression. Until then, let’s celebrate this exciting milestone in the world of our feathered friends!