Shoebill stands still in the same spot. Even when we have a staring contest, I usually lose. Even after visiting the bird enclosure, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, and okapi and coming back, it's still in the same position.

Moreover, the more you look at its unique face, the more its wooden clog-like beak and disproportionately large head captivate the viewer and won't let go.

I mean, how did he end up looking like this...? The way his hair is sticking up at the back of his head, like he just woke up, is pretty cool.

This bird, native to central Africa, lives in swamps and wetlands, and uses its large beak to catch and swallow fish, frogs, snakes, and small animals whole. It is located next to the flamingo enclosure West Garden, and recently the flamingos have made up some space for Shoebill in preparation for breeding.

In other words, they built a platform on the water, placed tree branches on it, and prepared a nest. There is one male and one female in this space, but so far only the male has climbed onto the nest.

It seems the breeding season is after the rainy season ends and the dry season begins, but it's still unknown what triggers breeding behavior. Maybe it starts after the rainy season ends...? However, the water level around the nest might also be a factor.

In Japan, only three zoos keep this unique bird: Chiba City Zoological Park, Izu Shaboten Park, and Ueno Zoo. There have been no reported cases of breeding yet.

Spending an afternoon glaring at this strange animal in West Garden Ueno Zoo might be a wonderful experience.



・ Click here for a video of Shoebill" Tokyo Zoo Net BB". (They don't usually move around much, so this is rare footage!)



​Chiba City Zoological Park

​Izu Cactus Park