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Location:

New exhibit next to Ruppell Griffon Vultures

Secretary Bird

  • Stan (M) - 06/15/23

  • Risha (F) - 04/06/24

Identifying Features:

  • Stan (M) - green band on right leg, taller with longer tail feathers. 

  • Risha (F) - red band on left leg


History:

They came to us from the Abilene Zoo in TX. Stan is named after a board member at the Abilene Zoo. 

More Information:

  • Name thought to come from Europe in the 1800's when male secretaries wore gray tailcoats and dark knee-length pants

  • Lives in open grasslands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa

  • Prefers areas scattered with acacia trees

  • Largely nomadic, walking up to 20 km (12.43 miles) per day searching for prey

  • Able to fly up to 3,800m, using rising thermals to soar to cool off during the hottest part of the day or to move to another area within their territory

  • Insects make up 86% of their diet, with small rodents, amphibians, freshwater crabs, tortoises, lizards and snakes also being prey.n 

  • Immobilizes prey by kicking and stamping with feet before picking it up by the bill.

  • IUCN: Endangered




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