Press Release: Rare Hornbill looking for love at Fife Zoo

A rare Von der Decken hornbill at Fife Zoo is looking for love after arriving at the zoo in Ladybank, Cuprar as part of an endangered species breeding programme.?

The Hornbill affectionately named Zazu in honour of Simba’s loyal avian companion in Disney’s The Lion King, arrived at the zoo earlier this year and is currently sharing his brand-new enclosure with other bird species including Hamerkop, Turacos and Whistling Ducks. It is hoped that if a suitable mate can be found for Zazu then the zoo will be able to contribute to global captive breeding efforts to safeguard the species from extinction in the wild.?

Von der Decken Hornbills are usually found in dry regions of Eastern Africa. Males like Zazu are easily identifiable by their large red bills, whilst females have black bills. Female Von der Decken hornbills bury themselves underground to hatch and rear their chicks with the male hornbill feeding the mother and chicks through a slit in the underground mud nest.?

Fife Zoo Director, Michael Knight said ‘We’re actively looking across Europe for a partner for Zazu, but this has proved difficult following the recent Avian influenza outbreak and also the increased challenges faced with moving animals across Europe since BREXIT.’?

‘Zazu seems perfectly happy sharing our new aviary with the other bird species and we’re also adding the beautiful Madagascan Fody to the aviary in the coming weeks.’?

Zazu can be seen daily at Fife Zoo in a brand new African themed walk-through aviary which allows visitors to get closer than ever before to a visually stunning array of birds.?

Fife Zoo which is also home to animals such as endangered Grevy’s zebra, meerkats and lemurs is currently expanding as part of a ten-year master plan.?

Press enquiries: Jessica Blyth-Sweetingham at [email protected]