The Zoo is
CLOSED
for the winter season.
Visit us when we
reopen in April 2010.

Marabou Stork

Scientific Name:	Leptoptilos crumeniferus
Range:	Africa, from the Sahara desert to South Africa
Habitat:	Savanna, open areas, and around human habitation
Natural Diet:	Carrion, fish, reptiles, insects, birds, frogs, and rodents
Zoo Diet:	Fish (capelin), mice
Physical Characteristics:	The marabou stork stands on long, grey legs, about 5 feet tall. Its upper body and wings are dark grey to black, and its underparts are white. There are no feathers on its neck and head. It has a long, reddish pouch hanging from its neck, which is used in courtship rituals. Their average weight is 20 pounds.
Behavior:	Marabou storks often gather in groups. They are usually silent birds, but sometimes they grunt or croak using their throat pouch, or they rattle their bills. Marabou storks are scavengers and feed on dead animals. Their bald head stays clean when eating messy foods. These birds also eat food scraps around homes, farms, and dumps in African towns.
Reproduction:	Marabou storks usually mate for life. Known as colonial breeders, they breed during the dry season because the water levels are low and it is easier to catch frogs and fish to feed their young. They lay 2 to 3 eggs in nests that are made of sticks. Eggs hatch in about 30 days.