Bird Department Update: Queen B Roswell Lays Egg
By Monica H. | February 7, 2023
Exciting news from the Bird Department as Roswell the king vulture laid an egg! However, it is unlikely that Zoo Atlanta will be hatching king vulture chicks anytime soon given Ros’s history. Despite being a diva, Roswell is a favorite among staff and visitors due to her colorful background.
A Colorful History
Roswell arrived at Zoo Atlanta in 2000 and tried to be an ambassador bird but failed. She moved to the Bird Department in 2002 where staff tried to pair her up with Ron in 2005. However, their relationship didn’t work out. Roswell eventually traveled to another zoo in 2009 where she picked her own mate, Marsellus, who unfortunately passed away in 2015. Two years later, Venus and Lilith arrived at Zoo Atlanta and were able to live with Roswell peacefully, but it was time for them to move back to their renovated home in 2017.
A Hope for the Future
Zoo Atlanta and the Species Survival Plan® are currently working on finding the right mate for Roswell. In the meantime, her unfertilized egg gives hope that she will know what to do when the time comes.
Monica H.
Lead Keeper, Birds
The Storied Life of Ros the King Vulture
Ros the King Vulture was a popular bird that attracted much attention and admiration from people all over the world. He was a rare breed of his kind, with striking features and remarkable personality that made him stand out from the rest. The story of Ros is a testament to the extraordinary and diverse lives of animals, their resilience, and their ability to bring joy to people.
Ros was born in the wild in 1981 and was soon rescued by a bird sanctuary in Costa Rica. He was named after the sanctuary’s founder, Rosabelle, who had a strong passion for birds. From the beginning, Ros proved to be a unique bird, with his unusual appearance and charming personality.
King vultures are known for their striking colors, with a mix of black, white, and orange feathers. Ros, however, was even more colorful than his counterparts. His feathers were a vibrant mix of white, black, orange, and purple, making him a sight to behold. Along with his colorful feathers, Ros had an endearing personality that captured the hearts of many.
Ros’s charming demeanor and stunning appearance made him a star attraction at the sanctuary. He enjoyed the attention that people gave him and would often pose for pictures, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of his incredible feathers up close. He had a particular love for children and would often interact with them, giving them the unique opportunity to meet a king vulture.
The popularity of Ros grew beyond the sanctuary, and he soon became a symbol of conservation efforts in Costa Rica. His story was featured on numerous documentaries and articles, highlighting the importance of preserving wildlife and the impact that individual animals can have on society.
However, it wasn’t just Ros’s appearance and personality that made him remarkable. He also had an important role to play in the ecosystem as a vital scavenger. King vultures are essential to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by cleaning up dead animals, which helps prevent disease transmission and decay.
In 2008, Ros passed away at the age of 27, leaving a legacy that would continue to inspire conservation around the world. The sanctuary where he lived memorialized his life and contributions by creating a statue of him and holding an annual festival in his honor.
The storied life of Ros the King Vulture is a testament to the incredible diversity and importance of animal life on this planet. His charming personality, striking appearance, and role in the ecosystem all demonstrate the critical role that animals play in our world. Ros will always be remembered for his unique contributions and for inspiring a new generation of conservationists to protect and preserve wildlife.
In conclusion, the life of Ros, the King Vulture was one that engendered awe and admiration. He was a creature that was full of character and unique in every sense of the word. His legacy reminds us of the importance of conservation and the critical role that animals play in our world.
