Rescued Sea Otters Pups Arrive at Georgia Aquarium
Rare Tamarin Triplets Born at John Ball Zoo

Cape Thick-Knee Hatches at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo

1_Cape Thick-Knee chick at Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium hatched a Cape Thick-knee Chick on March 14. The chick, which is the first since 2015, can be seen in the Desert Dome with its parents.

Although the species is free ranging, they spend most of their time in the Australian section of the zoo’s Desert Dome. This is the first chick for the adult pair who arrived at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in 2017.

2_Cape Thick-Knee chick with parents at Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium

3_Cape Thick-Knee chick with parent at Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium

4_Cape Thick-Knee chick at Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium 2Photo Credits: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Cape Thick-knee breeding pairs typically raise one to two chicks at a time. They are very protective parents who will go to great lengths to protect their young. The birds will sometimes perform dramatic “injury displays” to lure predators away from their nest. Both parents take an active role in feeding their chicks.

The Cape Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis) is native to southwestern and southern Africa within savannas, dry grasslands and thorn scrub areas. The species primarily feed on insects, such as crickets, grasshoppers and mealworms, but will also eat small mammals and lizards.

Comments