Pheasant pigeon chick a first for the zoo

Most visitors to the Rain Forest Dome have seen Maggie, the female green-naped pheasant pigeon, strolling through the tropical plants.

A green-naped pheasant pigeon hatched last month in the Indonesian Rain Forest, the first-ever hatching of this unusual species at the zoo.

Native to New Guinea, green-naped pheasant pigeons may look like miniature pheasants, but they behave like pigeons.  Based on the birds' appearance, "you might expect the chick to be up and walking around within a day, like other pheasants," says Zoo Keeper Dave Messmann.  "But because it's actually a pigeon, the chick stays in the nest for over a month."  Both the mother and father took turns incubating the egg, and now alternate ‘chick-sitting' duties in the nest, which is on a small, rocky ledge near the waterfall in the Rain Forest Dome.

The male green-naped pheasant pigeon guards his chick in the nest.

Zoo Animal Curator Mark Weldon and other bird enthusiasts around the country are excited about the hatching.  "Zoos are trying to breed this bird so we can establish a solid captive population," Weldon says.  The captive green-naped pheasant pigeon population is managed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), of which the zoo is a member.

By the time the zoo opens on April 18, the chick should be roaming the zoo's indoor jungle with mom and dad.

Register now for Day Camps

New – register online!

Zoo Day Camps are filled with fun and learning.

Open registration is underway for the zoo's popular Spring Break Day Camp and Summer Safari Day Camp.  In each camp, your child will experience the zoo like never before, with friendly animals, behind-the-scenes visits, unique adventures, and the chance to make new friends.

Camps fill fast, so register early to avoid disappointment!

Click here to see camp schedules.

Click here to register online for Spring Break Day Camp.

Click here to register online for Summer Safari Day Camp.

Questions?  Call 260-427-6808 or e-mail education@kidszoo.org

High school students interested in animal-related careers can participate in the new Keeper for a Day program.

Be a Keeper for a Day!

Is your high school student considering a career working with animals?  Our Keeper for a Day program allows students in grades 9-12 to travel behind the scenes, meet the staff, and experience life as a zoo keeper.  March 23, April 1, 3, or 10, 2009.  8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m.  Fee:  $25 per student.

Click here to register online

Questions?  Call 260-427-6808 or e-mail education@kidszoo.org

Zoo Closed for the Season

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is currently closed for the season.  Plan to visit when we reopen on April 18, 2009.

For more information visit our web site.

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The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808 phone:(260) 427-6800
visit our web site at www.kidszoo.org

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