Two new additions have arrived at Zoo Atlanta, but the stork didn’t deliver them. In fact, the 4-year-old birds are white storks themselves.
A press release issued by the zoo last week revealed Betty and Vanna were recommended to move to Atlanta by an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan program.
“We’re excited to welcome such a charismatic bird species to Zoo Atlanta. This is a great example of the many ways Species Survival Plans work,” Jennifer Mickelberg, Ph.D., Vice President of Collections and Conservation said in a statement. “While this species will not be breeding here at the Zoo, we play a role by housing these two individuals, thus making more spaces and resources available to other organizations with established breeding programs. We look forward to introducing Betty and Vanna to our Members and guests.”
White storks, which are believed to be the inspiration behind the tale that storks deliver babies, can be up to three and a half feet tall. Their wingspan can exceed six feet. A migratory species, storks spend a portion of their year on breeding grounds in Europe and Asia. They then travel to their winter grounds in the fall. In the winter, most of the European birds travel to Africa.
Two white storks that won’t be migrating, however, are Betty and Vanna. Visitors can see them in their habitat at Orkin Children’s Zoo.
Zoo Atlanta has introduced new plans to continue to maintain the wellness of guests, team members and animals.
Visitors ages 2 and up are required to wear masks for general admission and all in-zoo experiences. Guests must wear masks even if they have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Tickets, which have a timed ticketing system, must be purchased online — there are no cash transactions.
Learn more about ticketing, admission prices and safety protocols on the website.
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