Zoo Zlín achieves world-class success in breeding rare birds

Zoo Zlín has reported a significant international success in the breeding of several rare exotic bird species. The zoo's zoological team successfully raised offspring of the great casqueituari (turako velký), the great grey pouiseau (vousák velký), and the Toco toucan (tukan obrovský), species whose reproduction in captivity is exceptionally rare.

Specifically, the zoo successfully hatched five great casqueituari chicks this year. While previous offspring were raised artificially, the team utilized expertise gained from European specialists to allow the parental pair to care for this clutch. Additionally, the zoo achieved the world's first successful breeding of the great grey pouiseau, a feat accomplished by only four institutions globally.

To manage these species, keepers had to address diverse challenges, including specialized nutrition, complex mating behaviors, and the prevention of intra-pair aggression. For the great grey pouiseau, keepers utilized specially modified nesting cavities to support natural parental care.