The San Diego Zoo does not currently have a Shoebill Stork in its collection. As of 2023, the Dallas World Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park were reported to have Shoebill Storks. The Safari Park, which is part of the San Diego Zoo, had Shoebills in its collection in the past, but they were absent from recent species lists, indicating that they may no longer be present.

What is a Shoebill Stork?

Shoebill Storks are large, long-legged wading birds that can grow up to 5 feet tall and have a wingspan of 7-8 feet. They are known for their distinctive, shoe-shaped bill, which can be up to 9 inches long and 4 inches wide. The bill is a powerful tool used to scoop up fish, stab them with a pointed hook, and decapitate them before swallowing. Shoebills are known for their patience and ability to stand still for hours while stalking prey. They are also known for their “death stare” and the violent “collapse” motion they use to ambush prey.

Where are Shoebill Storks Found?

Shoebills are native to the vast wetlands of the Nile watershed in eastern Africa, where they are masters of patience and ambush. They primarily feed on lungfish, eels, catfish, water snakes, and even small crocodiles. Shoebills were once classified as storks, but more recent studies, including DNA, have shown that they are actually more closely related to pelicans.

Shoebill Storks in Captivity

While the San Diego Zoo no longer has a Shoebill Stork in its collection, these fascinating birds can be found at other zoos. As of 2023, the Dallas World Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park were reported to have Shoebill Storks in their collections.

Shoebill Storks at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which is part of the San Diego Zoo, had Shoebills in its collection in the past. However, they were absent from recent species lists, indicating that they may no longer be present at the Safari Park.

Shoebill Storks at Other Zoos

Here is a list of some other zoos that are known to have Shoebill Storks in their collections:

Conclusion

In summary, while the San Diego Zoo no longer has a Shoebill Stork in its collection, these fascinating birds can be found at other zoos, such as the Dallas World Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Shoebills are known for their distinctive appearance, powerful bill, and patient hunting techniques, making them a popular attraction for zoo visitors.

References:
– Shoebill Living Dinosaur Bird at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, YouTube, 2022-12-29, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDg1mhl9TXI
– Is there a way to find out what zoos have shoebill storks?, Reddit, 2023-08-27, https://www.reddit.com/r/birding/comments/1632nmp/is_there_a_way_to_find_out_what_zoos_have/?rdt=35606
– San Diego Zoo Safari Park News 2022, ZooChat, 2022-01-04, https://stories.sandiegozoo.org/2019/09/25/7-revealing-facts-about-shoebills/
– 7 Revealing Facts about Shoebills, San Diego Zoo, 2019-09-25, https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/shoebill