We have some egg-citing news from our lorikeet aviary in Lands of Change: Three roseate spoonbill chicks have hatched to dad Spork and mom Rosa!

This is the first set of chicks to hatch at our Zoo since 2020. Spork and Rosa were recommended to pair by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for roseate spoonbills. We’re proud to do our part in ensuring a healthy, genetically diverse safeguard population in accredited zoos and aquariums.

The chicks hatched over the week of Feb. 23 in a well-built nest in the aviary. Our animal care team is monitoring the chicks closely with multiple checks throughout the day to ensure each chick is thriving.

“Spork and Rosa are naturals,” said Curator of Animals Michelle Johnston. “Spoonbills take turns caring for the young together. If you come to the aviary, you can see both parents feeding the chicks. It’s amazing!”

Any lethargy from the chicks may indicate that they aren’t getting enough nutrition from their parents – but so far, each appears active.

The chicks hatch not being able to see until slits for eyelids begin to form. After 3-4 days, the chicks’ eyes typically open! They’ll remain in the nest until they “fledge,” or leave the nest around 5-6 months.

Spork hatched our Zoo’s last set of spoonbill chicks with another female spoonbill at our Zoo, Flo Jo. Although he has sired quite a few chicks, this is the first time he and first-time mom Rosa have been able to raise their chicks themselves. Historically, our animal care team has pulled the eggs and hand reared the chicks. While we strive to have all our animal parents raise their own young, there are sometimes circumstances that make it unsafe for the babies or their parents.

“This year their nest looked very sturdy, and they were very protective of it, so we wanted to give them the change to parent rear,” Michelle explained.

If the parents need any help, their animal care team is ready to step in.

“As long as it appears the chicks are growing, we will leave them alone,” Michelle said. “We do not want to interfere too much.”

We don’t know the sex of the chicks yet, but we’ve submitted their eggshells for DNA testing to learn more.

The rest of our aviary residents haven’t seemed to notice the youngest residents just yet. If they get too close to the nest, Spork and Rosa warn them off by clapping their beaks.

The chicks will stay in their nest for some time, but they’re already beginning to peek their heads out. While you don’t need to stay completely away from the nest, which is visible along guest paths in the lorikeet aviary, please remember to be respectful of our young family.