The Frail Arrival: A Hyacinth Macaw Tale from Zoo Karlsruhe
Zoo director's office now houses freshly hatched parrot chick
Born in the heart of Bavaria, the chick made its entrance in Nuremberg. During an exclusive chat with our site, Zoo Director Reinschmidt shared some insight. The third egg in a clutch, the chick's survival seemed uncertain due to sibling rivalry for food. In a heartfelt move, Reinschmidt took the little bird under his wing, diligently nurturing it.
Reinschmidt: The Parrot Whisperer
For Reinschmidt, caring for parrots is a familiar role. Having nurtured a pair of black raven caciques and his beloved, Nelly, in August 2024, he embraces his role as a parrot 'father' with a warm heart. The rush of affection he feels for his feathered friends is undeniable, prompting him to extend his hand to every parrot that finds its way to him.
The newcomer brings him additional joy. Comparing them to their distant relatives, the only difference lies in their size and growth rate. As Reinschmidt tenderly observes, "It's very similar. Aras just grow longer and, of course, become much larger."
Protecting the Magnificent Hyacinth Macaws
Weighing up to 1.8 kilograms, Hyacinth macaws are the world's largest flying parrots, surpassed only by the flightless Kakapo from New Zealand. Once threatened by illegal trading, their numbers dwindled to a mere 1,500. However, the implementation of active species protection measures has led to a remarkable recovery, with the population reaching around 5,000 in the past two decades and showing a positive growth trend. Reinschmidt proudly speaks about the animals at his zoo: "These beings we care for are our representatives of endangered species in the wild."
The Rapid Journey of Growth
When the care first began, the chick needed to be fed every two hours. Fast forward three weeks, and Reinschmidt can sleep through the night once more. The rapid growth spurt has seen the chick reach a weight of 462 grams, almost doubling in size compared to its cacique sibling. Each day, the bird gains 30 grams more, with 150ml of food consumption.
Milestones Achieved: First Open Eyes and Feathers
The little parrot has recently opened its eyes, marking an essential milestone. Soon, the quills, which will transform into flight feathers, will push through its skin. As Reinschmidt humorously puts it, "It will soon look like a hedgehog, when all the quills stick out of the skin." The bird's thermoregulation still needs to mature, leaving it a tad shivering. "Only then can we leave it alone. The parents still brood their young - just like I do now."
Future Awaits in the Parrot 'Bachelor Pad'
Once the chick is mature enough, it will make its way to the "bachelor pad" of the Hyacinth macaws at Zoo Karlsruhe, joining its future friends, Henry and Indigo. Until then, the little one resides in its cozy heat box, maintaining a comfortable 33 degrees Celsius.
For the latest updates on the Hyacinth macaw chick and other Zoo Karlsruhe residents, it's best to get in touch with the zoo directly or check their official website or social media channels.
"As the Hyacinth Macaw chick grows under Reinschmidt's care, its lifestyle begins to mirror that of its home-and-garden habitat, with a warm and nurturing environment. The chick, along with the zoo's other feathered friends, such as pets like black raven caciques, demonstrate Reinschmidt's commitment to protecting and fostering various species, especially the endangered Hyacinth Macaws."
"Furthermore, as the chick approaches maturity and will soon join other Hyacinth Macaws in the 'bachelor pad' of Zoo Karlsruhe, it will transition from a dependence on human care to a lifestyle akin to its wild counterparts, adopting the unique pet behavior and social structure of these magnificent birds."
