The California Academy of Sciences is celebrating a new addition to the Osher Rainforest: a red-crested turac chick.
California Academy of Sciences
The chick joins a range of other baby animals on display this month, including reindeer, camels and yaks, as part of the Academy’s holiday programme.
Native to the forests of western Angola, the red-crested turacos (Tauraco erythrolophus) are the first African bird species to inhabit the dome. Scarlet and Skittles, a female and a male, are also part of a Species Survival Plan, a program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums designed to help preserve genetic diversity among populations in human care.
The chick is currently only a few weeks old and has a dark, fluffy baby plumage. Under the care of the Steinhart Aquarium’s Animal Health and Care team, the baby bird is thriving and will soon develop the vibrant iridescent feathers that characterize the species.
California Academy of Sciences
The chick was born to red-crested turaco parents Scarlet and Skittles and is currently on display at the Osher Rainforest, California Academy of Sciences.
This holiday season, the Academy’s lineup of baby animals continues. Check out the baby camels on display through December 19, then come back for baby yaks from December 20 to January 5. For more information and tickets, visit the Cal Academy website.
