In 2019, for the first time in Zoo history, we welcomed two Black-faced ibis chicks. In 2020, we were lucky to hatch four chicks! Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been one of few zoos in North America to successfully hatch Black-faced ibis.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has three pairs of adult Black-faced ibis. Two of the pairs currently have chicks. The hatchlings were born from late March to early April. The parents: Mr. and Mrs. Granger, are raising one chick, while parents: Lily and James, have three babies. Our third pair: Molly and Arthur, are currently sitting on eggs. Hopefully, this year will be the first year all three pairs have chicks.

All four chicks are growing like weeds and soon will fledge from their nest platforms. Currently, keepers can see these adorable “fluff balls” in their nest platforms. Soon the chicks will begin fledging. When baby birds fledge, they are at the stage where they grow feathers that are capable of flight. Once chicks fledge from the nest, parents will continue caring for them but eventually the chicks will have to fend for themselves. Luckily, mom and dad will teach them the ropes and will become strong healthy juveniles.

Black-faced ibis can be found in open marshes and fields in the regions of Southern Chile and Southern Argentina. They are loud and vocal with a clattering call. You can hear these guys from the Sweet Shop or Rivers edge. They are colony nesters found in small to medium groups. Both male and female incubate 1-3 eggs and return to the same nest site each year.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens continues to focus on keeping populations as diverse as possible.

We hope to have you visit our four Black-faced ibis chicks soon in our Emerald Forest Aviary!