Caw-ling all Florida grasshopper sparrow fans. Don’t let this update on our resident sparrow’s breeding season fly past you!
While this season has had its challenges in part thanks to drought conditions, we’re proud to share that 32 chicks have hatched so far, with five members of this critically endangered species released to their native range. We hope to release more as the season continues!
We also have a special sparrow story to share! Our partners in the field at Deluca Preserve discovered and brought four sparrow nestlings to our Zoo recently. The chicks’ nest was attacked by fire ants, a common reason for this species’ endangered status. With no wild nests to put them in, they were approved to be taken to safety at our Zoo.
The chicks were placed in a nest with a proven sparrow mom named Wild One, whose eggs were moved to an incubator before being taken to another partner. The team cracked old eggshells around the nest to help Wild One think her own eggs had hatched.
Wild One and her mate, Vince, have accepted them! They are fiercely protective of them and feed them well.
About 9 years ago, just 100 sparrows were found in their native range. Last year, the 1,000th sparrow hatched in human care was released back into their natural habitat – a Brevard Zoo-born bird! This incredible conservation story is thanks in large part to our partners in the field as well as in fellow conservation breeding programs.
Every young one counts when you’re dealing with a critically endangered species, and we’re happy to have been able to step in to support them further.
As with each of Brevard Zoo’s programs, the success of the Florida grasshopper sparrow c conservation program depends on the generosity of philanthropic individuals and organizations such as the Robert F. Schumann Foundation, which has graciously supported the sparrow conservation program for two consecutive years. The foundation’s generous support has provided critical needs, including the sparrows’ diets, maintenance and expansion of their habitats, and the keepers who care for these endangered birds and their chicks.
According to their webpage, the Schumann Foundation is “dedicated to improving the quality of life of both humans and animals by supporting environmental, educational, arts and cultural organizations and agencies,” which closely aligns with Brevard Zoo’s mission “to share our joy of nature to help wildlife and people thrive.” The Robert F. Schumann Foundation was established by Mr. Schumann out of his beliefs that the environment is essential to sustain the future of the planet, that education is essential to solve many quality of life issues for society, and that arts and cultural programs offer society hope and the ability to dream. Mr. Schumann was an avid environmentalist and fought for open spaces where birds and other animals could maintain habitats and where people could enjoy nature. We are incredibly appreciative of the Robert F. Schumann Foundation for sharing his legacy so we can continue working toward our shared mission.
Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.