Two rare white-headed vultures welcomed to Tayto Park this month
By Kim O'Leary
Excitement was in the air at Tayto Park earlier this month as zoo keepers welcomed a pair of rare white-headed vultures from Africa into Ireland’s favourite theme park and zoo in Ashbourne Co. Meath.
Yet to be named and a unique addition to the park, white-headed vultures are critically endangered and are part of a captive population managed and monitored by EAZA’s European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). White-headed vultures are at grave risk of becoming extinct and zoo keepers are hoping this rare pair will form a strong bond and breed at their new home at Tayto Park.
With a wingspan of over two metres, white-headed vultures are known to actively hunt live prey but are generally seen feeding on fresh carrion. To supplement their diet, they will often feed on stranded fish, termites and locusts. An African species with a large range throughout sub-Saharan Africa, white-headed vultures will inhabit hot, dry, open savannahs. The bird keepers at Tayto Park are delighted to have this hugely important species join the zoo.
Keepers at Tayto Park have also been very busy in the lead up to spring with many of the park birds getting ready to nest. Specially made, species-specific nest boxes have been built for a few of the parks newest arrivals including the black-cheeked lovebirds.
A small species of parrot native to Zambia in Africa, black-cheeked lovebirds have distinctive colouration with a bright green body, red bill, dark brown head and neck with a spot of orange on their throat feathers. Lovebirds nest and breed anytime between mid-January and May.
The black-cheeked lovebirds are a much-loved addition to the zoo. Keepers are delighted to see the pairs bringing back nesting material to their aviary, which is an excellent indication that pairs have bonded. It seems love is definitely in the air. To help with breeding activities, zoo keepers at Tayto Park will continue to provide a range of natural items such as grass, twigs and straw to help them with their nest building.
Birthday celebrations were also in order at the zoo as the parks two adorable female tayras celebrated their first birthday at the beginning of the year. Tia and Esme are already as big as their mum and dad are portraying all their inquisitive playful traits; these arboreal acrobats have become a favourite with the zoo keepers.
For more information visit: www.taytopark.ie