Summary of Meet the Animals: Southern Ground Hornbills:
This content introduces readers to two Southern ground hornbills, J.D. and Newman, at Brevard Zoo. J.D. has been at the Zoo for 20 years, while Newman has been there for 11 years. They have different personalities, with J.D. being more interested and watching her keepers from a distance and Newman being more personable and interacting with his keepers. They have separate habitats but vocalize to each other and show positive interactions. The hornbills receive a well-balanced diet and live in an enriching environment. They enjoy enrichment items that they can manipulate, and their favorite foods are often hidden for them to find. They also participate in training and behaviors to help with their care. An interesting fact about hornbills is that they have specialized feathers resembling eyelashes. Brevard Zoo is an independent organization that relies on donations to support its programs.
1. Introduction to Meet the Animals series at the Zoo.
2. Introducing J.D. and Newman, two Southern ground hornbills at the Zoo.
3. Describing J.D.’s and Newman’s personalities and interactions with their keepers.
4. Information about their diet and enriching environment.
5. Fun fact: Southern ground hornbills have amazing eyelashes.
If you’ve ever been to the Zoo, chances are you’ve encountered some of the incredible animal residents that call it home. From the majestic lions to the playful elephants, the Zoo is filled with diverse creatures. However, not all of these animals are easy to spot, whether it’s due to their habitat, personalities, or sleep cycles. That’s why we’re starting a “Meet the Animals” series to introduce you to some of the lesser-known residents of the Zoo. This article focuses on two unique and captivating Southern ground hornbills – J.D. and Newman.
J.D., a female Southern ground hornbill, has been a part of our Zoo family for over 20 years. You may have seen her in our Expedition Africa loop, sharing her space with more minor animal residents like klipspringers and African-crowned cranes. J.D.’s distinguishing feature is the beautiful blue color on her neck, which sets her apart from her male counterparts, who have a red neck. Despite being slightly more reserved, J.D. is incredibly observant and enjoys watching her keepers from a distance. Once their work is complete, she loves inspecting it curiously.
On the other hand, we have Newman, a 19-year-old male Southern ground hornbill. Newman has been part of our Zoo family for 11 years and resides in a behind-the-scenes habitat. Unlike J.D., Newman is more personable and loves interacting with his keepers. He often finds items in his habitat, such as rocks, and has a unique habit of showing them to his keepers – as if to say, “Look at this, but it’s not for you!”
While J.D. and Newman may not share the same physical space, they have a special bond. They enjoy vocalizing to each other and engaging in positive interactions during protected contact scenarios. However, they prefer to maintain a more “long-distance” relationship, allowing each other their space.
As for their diet, J.D. and Newman receive a thoughtfully crafted, well-balanced diet from our dedicated team. They enjoy meat, whole prey, parrot pellets, and fruits and vegetables. We strive to ensure that all our animal residents live in an enriching environment, offering them safe and meaningful choices and challenges.
Enrichment is crucial to their well-being, and J.D. and Newman are no exception. They particularly enjoy any enrichment items that they can push around or manipulate. Our keepers often hide their favorite foods inside the paper, boxes, or other feeders, providing them mental stimulation while mimicking natural foraging behaviors.
With his playful personality, Newman absolutely adores everything that can keep him engaged. He happily spends hours playing with various items, including balls and puzzle feeders. This type of interaction is enjoyable for him and helps keep him mentally stimulated and physically active.
Moreover, J.D. and Newman can participate in training and behaviors that aid their care. J.D. voluntarily steps onto a scale for monthly weights, ensuring our veterinary team can track her health and well-being effectively. Newman, always eager to interact with his keepers, has learned several behaviors, such as stepping on a scale for weights, going on a perch, sitting, and entering a kennel.
In addition to these magnificent birds‘ fascinating aspects, one more fact about Southern ground hornbills that might surprise you – they have amazing eyelashes! Well, not precisely eyelashes, but specialized feathers that grow along their eyelids. These feathers resemble perfect “falsies,” adding to their unique and captivating appearance.
By supporting Brevard Zoo, you’re contributing to the care and conservation of these incredible animals. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, we rely on your generous support to continue serving our community and providing essential animal wellness, education, and conservation programs.
In conclusion, J.D. and Newman are two Southern ground hornbills who bring their distinct personalities and quirks to the Zoo. While J.D. is slightly more reserved, Newman is always ready to interact and play. They enjoy an enriching environment, and a well-balanced diet and can participate in training and behaviors that enhance their overall well-being. So, the next time you visit, keep an eye out for these mesmerizing birds and appreciate their remarkable presence in the animal kingdom.
