ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 28, 2009 – The Detroit Zoo has received a 2009 Plume Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Avian Scientific Advisory Group for its African spoonbill breeding program.

The Plume Award recognizes excellence in avian husbandry and commitment to the long-term management of birds in AZA zoos.  The Detroit Zoo’s submission of its African spoonbill captive propagation program focused on eight years of problem-solving in breeding, which resulted in the rearing of 16 chicks.

“African spoonbills live in large, noisy colonies made up of many nesting pairs.  Breeding the species in zoos can be difficult due to the complex social relationships among the birds.  Our bird care staff is committed to providing the spoonbills with what they need to be successful as parents and has contributed greatly to the sustainability of the North American zoo population,” said Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare Scott Carter.

Native to mainland Africa and Madagascar, the African spoonbill (Platalea alba) is a long-legged wading bird distinguished by its unusual spoon-shaped bill.  The large bill contains “receptors” that allow the bird to detect food such as small fish, frogs and invertebrates in murky water. 

Visitors can view the Detroit Zoo’s flock of African spoonbills in the African waterhole habitat across from the Great Apes of Harambee.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October (open at 9 a.m. May 1 through Labor Day) – with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August – and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11 for adults 15 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 14; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  Admission is free.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 

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