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SINGAPORE – A new exhibit has been created to house some special feathered residents at Jurong Bird Park, Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) said on Thursday (October 15).
Located next to the Hawk Arena, the new aviary is home to the park’s pioneering generation of birds who have retired from the Kings of the Skies show.
While they may have left the spotlight, the eight raptors of six different species will continue to delight and enjoy your retreat under the attentive care of their keepers.
The birds of different species that are mixed in the aviary is really good for them, as it stimulates them both physically and mentally, WRS said.
The oldest resident is Rod Stewart, an Egyptian vulture who could be in his late 60s. Birds of his species have a lifespan of 21 years in the wild. He now wears a white bib across his chest to prevent an old wound from ripping.
“By opening the aviary to the public, we hope that guests will be able to appreciate these aging animals and learn how modern zoos care for them,” said Dr. Cheng Wen Haur, WRS deputy executive director and director of biological sciences.
Like people, many of these older birds have common age-related ailments, experience muscle atrophy and vision loss, and have to take medication.
Carlos and José, two American black vulture brothers, are given daily medications in their food for arthritis and to keep them active. Otherwise, the 22-year-old brothers are in good physical condition and prefer to perch on top of the aviary.
All animals that have reached 75 percent of their life expectancy are placed under a senior animal care plan in all four WRS nature parks.
Without having to defend themselves against predators or disease, and having access to quality food and medical care, animals under human care tend to outlive their counterparts in the wild.
Under the WRS plan, older animals benefit from a personalized diet and exercise, as well as more frequent visits from veterinarians. They also receive a full medical check-up every six months and are evaluated by their caretakers and veterinarians for any health or mobility issues.
The senior animal care plan seeks to delay the onset of age-related diseases and ensure that animals continue to enjoy quality lives in their twilight years, added Dr. Cheng.
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