Rockhampton Zoo has expanded its family with the arrival of two Green Wing Macaws, Poppy and Dahlia.
The vibrant new additions have joined the Zoo's resident Blue and Gold Wing Macaws.
Councillor for Parks, Sports, and Public Spaces Cherie Rutherford said the duo, originally from Perth, are settling into their new home well.
"We're so excited to welcome Poppy and Dahlia to the Zoo family," Cr Rutherford said.
"These beautiful birds are sure to capture the attention and hearts of visitors with their striking red feathers and vibrant green wings that turn to a blue towards the tip.
"They are absolutely stunning in colour and their personalities are proving to be just as bright.
"They have already started to form close bonds with our keepers and have been keeping them busy with the amount of browse, chew toys and perching they are getting through.
"At just 18 and 10 months old respectively, they're still young, considering macaws can live well past 80 years."
Rockhampton Zoo Director Liz Bellward said the Zoo will celebrate Poppy and Dahlia's arrival further by donating a portion of this year's conservation fund to macaw protection.
"Each year, we donate 15% of the Zoo's proceeds to animal conservation – with half donated locally and the other half internationally," Ms Bellward said.
"We're proud to announce that this year, a portion of our conservation fund will be directed towards supporting macaw conservation efforts in the wild.
"While Green Wing Macaws are currently listed as 'least concern' on the IUCN Red List, their wild populations are declining.
"There are also a number of macaw species that are considered endangered and critically endangered, and this funding will go toward raising awareness and their preservation."
Rockhampton Zoo has donated over $78,800 to local and international conservation efforts since 2020.
The Rockhampton Zoo is open daily from 9:00am to 4:15pm (excluding Christmas Day), and admission is free.
To learn more about the Zoo and its conservation efforts, visit: www.rockhamptonzoo.com
Macaw fast facts:
- Size: Macaws vary greatly in size, from the small Hahn's Macaw at 150g and 30cm long, to the impressive Hyacinth Macaw, which can weigh up to 1700g and reach 100cm in length.
- Lifespan: Macaws can live between 80 to 100 years.
- Diet: Macaws ingest mineralised sand and clay, which help neutralise the toxins found in the seeds and nuts they eat.
- Habitat: Green Wing Macaws (Ara chloroptera) are native to Central and South America, found in countries including Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia.
