Tiny and ravenous: hand-reared Hyacinth Macaw - Tiny and ravenous, the hyacinth is nurtured by human care
Hyacinth Macaw Chick Begins Hand-Rearing Process
Karlsruhe Zoo Director Matthias Reinschmidt is currently hand-rearing a two-week-old Hyacinth Ara parrot chick, one of the world's largest and most endangered flying parrot species. The chick, born at Zoo Nuremberg, was handed over to Reinschmidt due to its parents' neglect, as they only typically care for two chicks.
The chick, still unnamed and of undetermined sex, was birthed weighing 26 grams but now impressively tips the scales at 125 grams. Reinschmidt, known for his expertise in parrot care, considers the process a 24-hour endeavor, with the little Macaw needing food every two hours.
Due to the chick's constant hunger, Reinschmidt transports the warming box-residing parrot to work in the morning and home in the evening. The chick spends its day in a sizeable warming cabinet. In about 100 days, the chick is expected to reach its maximum weight of 1.5 to 1.8 kilograms, but it will still require hand-feeding for at least a year.
According to the World Conservation Union IUCN, Hyacinth Macaws are critically endangered, with roughly 5,000 individuals remaining in nature. The Karlsruhe Zoo is home to two adult Hyacinth Macaws, both also cared for by Reinschmidt, and both part of the same Nuremberg Hyacinth Macaw pair. When the chick is old enough, it will join its potential siblings in the Karlsruhe aviary.
The Hyacinth Macaw, recognized for its vibrant blue feathers, faces habitat loss and illegal trading, which contribute to its endangered status. International laws have been established to protect these birds, with conservation efforts involving habitat preservation, education, and controlled breeding programs.
In light of the Hyacinth Macaw chick's hand-rearing process, the community policy and employment policy at Karlsruhe Zoo may need to be revised for flexible working hours to accommodate the chick's feeding schedule. Moreover, the zoo's lifestyle, home-and-garden, and pets sections could highlight the significance of proper care for endangered species, such as the Hyacinth Macaw, as a responsible pet ownership practice.
