Vozinha’s birth marks a milestone for the zoo team and reflects the conditions provided in the park’s ‘Habitat Américas’, which, according to Zoomarine Algarve, meets the biological and behavioural needs of the species living there.

The chick is still with its parents, but Zoomarine’s zoo professionals are nevertheless monitoring its development and wellbeing.

“This first birth of a black ibis at Zoomarine is a very special moment for the whole team. As well as the joy of watching a new chick develop, it is also very rewarding to observe natural behaviours such as breeding and parental care. Moments like this allow us to continue deepening our knowledge of the species in our care and also represent an opportunity to spark visitors’ curiosity about the extraordinary diversity of wildlife and the importance of its conservation,” says Dr Ana Salbany, Director of the Zoological Collection at Zoomarine Algarve.

The bird is characterised by its long, curved beak, which it uses to probe mud and wetland banks in search of food, particularly insects and small crustaceans.

The species also spreads its wings to bask in the sun, which arouses the curiosity of visitors arriving at the park. The black ibis adopts this behaviour to maintain its plumage.