Zoo director's office now hosts a freshly hatched parrot fledgling.
A Peak into the Life of an Unconventional Caretaker
Born and bred in Nuremberg, Katharina Peifer, or simply known as Zoo Director Reinschmidt, has an unusual passion. In a candid chat with our site, Reinschmidt shared the extraordinary tale of a tiny parrot he's been nurturing.
The Parrot Whisperer
Reinschmidt's role as a parrot caretaker is nothing new under the sun. For months, he's been shoulder-to-shoulder with his feathery friends, having already tended to a pair of black cacique parents as well as their offspring, Nelly. "I find myself inexplicably drawn to these little birds. I don't shy away from them, because I truly enjoy it," he chuckles. The latest addition to his family brings him immense joy as well. According to him, taking care of this new feathered friend isn't much different from the previous ones - "It's just longer and, of course, much larger."
GRANDNESS IN NEED OF PROTECTION
At an astonishing size, Hyacinth macaws are the largest flying parrots on the planet, outweighing even the Kakapo from New Zealand by a significant margin. These beautiful blue birds were once at the mercy of illegal trade, causing their population to plummet to a mere 1,500 individuals. Thankfully, thanks to international efforts, their numbers have since rebounded to around 5,000, with a promising upward trend. "These creatures we house here serve as ambassadors for their endangered brethren in the wild," emphasizes Reinschmidt.
A QUICK-GROWING CHICK
When the chick first arrived, it needed round-the-clock feeding every two hours. Today, Reinschmidt can clock in some much-needed shut-eye, as the chick has already gained an impressive 462 grams in just three weeks - that's a whopping 30 grams more per day than its predecessor, Nelly. "It's growing at a rapid pace," he beams.
ON THE PATH TO INDEPENDENCE
The chick has recently opened its eyes - a crucial developmental stage - and its quills, which will eventually turn into flight feathers, are starting to poke through its skin. "Soon, it'll look like a porcupine," he predicts, as the future parrot continues to battle its temperature regulation issues until it is fully feathered. That's when it will finally be able to fend for itself. "Only then can I step back - the parents will still be taking care of their young, just like I am now."
A NEW ABODE IN ZOO KARLSRUHE
Once the chick matures enough, it'll join Henry and Indigo in the "bachelor pad" of the hyacinth macaws at the Zoo Karlsruhe. Until then, it will remain snug and secure in its heated enclosure at a comfortable 33 degrees.
For the latest updates on Katharina Peifer and the other inhabitants of Zoo Karlsruhe, visit their website, follow them on social media, or check out your local newspaper. It's always fascinating to stay informed about the remarkable lives of these remarkable creatures!
In the unconventional life of Zoo Director Reinschmidt, his home-and-garden extends beyond his house, as he tends to his exotic pet, a rapidly growing Hyacinth macaw. His lifestyle intertwines his profession with his personal passions, as he nurtures these endangered birds, acting as an ambassador for their survival in the wild.
