Blue Islands fly in unique Madagascan birds for Durrell

A Madagascan crested ibis (Lophotibis cristata), six Madagascar turtle doves (Streptopelis picturata) and ten Madagascar fodies (Foudia madagascariensis), were flown in from Zurich last week on one of Blue Islands’ Fairchild Dornier 328-100, accompanied by Durrell Senior Bird Keeper, Harriet Good, who collected the birds from Zurich Zoo.

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust already holds a number of other species found in Madagascar, such as the Madagascar teal, black winged stilts, pygmy geese and white-backed ducks, that will also be relocated to the new aviary when it is completed later this year.

Durrell's Bird Department Supervisor, Harriet Whitford, says the new enclosure will be an exciting addition to the park, "Durrell's Madagascan forest walkthrough aviary will make up a fantastic part of the new Walled Garden development. It provides a showcase of the avifauna found in Madagascar forest habitats, which are threatened by deforestation due to agriculture and timber extraction. The aviary will be used to highlight Durrell's extensive work in Madagascar and we are extremely grateful to Blue Islands for making this import possible."

Paul Sabin, Managing Director Blue Islands, commented, "Blue Islands was delighted to welcome these unusual and rather exotic passengers on board our popular Swiss route. We are happy to have supported Durrell once again, and are looking forward to seeing the birds in their new home."

Durrell hopes to add to its collection of birds in the new enclosure at a later date, with the inclusion of the crested coua and hamerkops.

The full release on the Durrell Conservation Wildlife Trust website can be found in PDF format here

Article sourced from http://www.durrell.org/About-Durrell/Durrell-News/Unique-birds-flown-in-for-Durrell/