| Size |
Waldrapp ibis stand approximately 14 inches tall with a total body length of about 27 inches. They have a wingspan of approximately 50 inches. |
| Weight |
Waldrapp ibis weigh between 2.5 to 3 pounds. |
| Conservation Status |
On the 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Waldrapp ibis is Critically Endangered. |
| Diet |
In the wild, the Waldrapp ibis probe in the sand and soil with their long curved beaks searching for grubs, beetles, snails, grasshoppers, ants, scorpions or any small mammals or lizard.
In the Zoo, our ibis are fed a nutritionally balanced ground meat, small mice and a variety of insects. |
| Geographic Range |
Cliffs and coastline of Morocco, Syria |
| Where to find me in the Zoo |
The Ibis exhibit at the south end of the Zoo |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
The Waldrapp ibis, also known as the Hermit ibis or the Northern bald ibis, may not be the most attractive bird, but their strong character and bizarre appearance give them unique appeal. They look almost comical with their bald heads, long red beaks and crazy crest feathers going every which way. Their black feathers take on brilliant sheens of purple, green and orange when viewed in bright sunlight. Telling male and female ibis apart is difficult with the males being only slightly larger with slightly longer beaks.
Unlike most species of ibis that live in wetlands, Waldrapp ibis prefer dryer habitat. They seek water only for drinking and bathing and forage in grassy areas. They roost and breed on rocky slopes.
In the wild, the Waldrapp ibis is estimated to live for about 25 years. In captivity, they can live more than 30 years.
Like most species of ibis, the Waldrapp ibis breeds in large colonies. They reach breeding age at about 3 years. A male and female will form a pairbond and both help to build the nest. They build nests from sticks and grasses on cliff ledges where they lay their clutch of 2 to 4 eggs. The eggs hatch in 24 to 28 days and the babies are ready for their first flight after about 43 days. Both parents assist in caring for and feeding the young by regurgitating food to the chicks.
Waldrapp ibis have a wide variety of vocalizations--some sound like slurping noises--and can often be heard "arguing" over favorite sunbathing spots or perches. Sunbathing is a favorite pastime. Even in the summer they can be seen with their wings outstretched on the ground panting away in the hot sun.
The Zoo has 16 Waldrapp ibis all identified by name and leg band color. They are: Janine, Wendy, Kirsten, Danielle, Sarah, Lily, Arnold, Forrest, Pacino, Antonio, Grover, Wilt, Wesley, Johnny, George, and Gurk. Gurk is the youngest of the group. He hatched here on February 6, 2008.
Enrichment
Adoption Information
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The Waldrapp Ibis is critically endangered. There are currently more Ibis found in zoos (over 2000) around the world than are found in the wild. The only known wild population is found in Morocco and likely contains about 200-250 birds. Protection of this colony is a high conservation priority. Until recently there was a colony in southern Turkey but it is believed that this population has gone extinct in spite of efforts to build the colony through captive breeding. There have recently been sightings of a small group of birds in Syria but it is not known if they are part of another breeding colony whose location is unknown. They have been extinct from their European range for over three hundred years and efforts are currently underway to reintroduce the birds to this area.
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