Hope for hornbills

Have you ever been to the Zoo early in the morning? It’s one of my favorite times to walk the grounds. Dewy bamboo sparkles in the morning sun. Flowers in bloom bejewel the greenery. Animals around the Zoo greet the morning with roars, chuffs, and grumbles. One of my favorite performances is the duet of Zazu and Gumby, a pair of southern ground hornbills currently on an extended holiday to the Lower Zoo, though you may have historically seen them near the rhino habitat. 

Beyond the Zoo, southern ground hornbills can be found in savannas and woodlands of southern Africa. While they are capable of flight, they tend to spend most of their time on the ground, hence their name. The species is known for its distinctive coloring and long, lush eyelashes. Zazu and Gumby, specifically, are known for their highly social personalities. You can often find them right at the front of their habitat, parading around with their latest snack (or a piece of mulch if they’ve already chowed down). They are incredible ambassadors, introducing Zoo guests of all ages to their species. 

Southern ground hornbills are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means that they face a high risk of extinction in the wild. As is the case with so many endangered species, they are impacted by habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. They can also be impacted by poisoning and are intertwined in a variety of cultural beliefs within their native range, which can have both positive and negative implications. With a slow reproductive rate and prolonged maturation period, it takes populations a long time to recover from the impacts of these threats. But there is hope for them. 

The Mabula Ground Hornbill Project is dedicated to slowing and reversing the decline of the southern ground hornbill. Based in Limpopo, South Africa, the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project is creating a network of custodians to lead the conservation of local resident ground hornbill groups. Their work includes monitoring wild hornbill populations, rearing chicks for release, mitigating threats, educating communities living alongside hornbills about their importance, and conducting research to better understand hornbills and their conservation. 

One of my colleagues in the Education Department recently traveled to South Africa through a Mickelberg Field Conservation Grant. Stay tuned to hear from Emmy about her experience working with the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project in the next Conservation Blog. And in the meantime, be sure to stop by and visit Zazu and Gumby next to the alpacas – you never know what they might have to show you! 

Sarah Hamilton
Interpretive Engagement Specialist