|
 ANIMALS
Steller's
sea-eagles
A magnificent pair of Steller’s sea-eagles
is now on exhibit inside the Giraffe House. One of only three pairs in
the United States (the others are in Cincinnati and San Diego) these
birds are still fairly young and have not had any offspring. We hope
that will change as efforts will soon be underway to breed this pair.
The exhibit also provides guests with a preview of the future display
for the sea-eagle at the polar/marine complex presently being
developed.
Steller’s sea-eagles
are the largest species of eagle in the world and are named for the 18th
century zoologist Georg Wilhelm Steller. In the wild these birds reside
mainly in northeastern Asia. Their primary breeding sites are in
eastern Russia, around the Sea of Okhostsk and on the Kamchatka
Peninsula. They are mostly found on seacoasts or along large rivers and
not very far inland. (Fun Fact: The Russian words for sea eagle are
“morskoi orel”)
Females, which can
weigh up to 20 pounds, are noticeably larger than males. With a
wingspan of 9 feet, a massive orange-yellow bill, prominent white
shoulders, thighs and tail and a deep barking cry of ra-ra-ra-rau-rau –
these are very impressive birds!
Steller’s sea-eagles
are classified as “vulnerable”. Habitat loss from logging and coastal
development is the most persistent threat to their existence. Other
problems include people shooting birds and over-fishing stocks of salmon
(one of their favorite foods) and other freshwater and ocean fish.
On your next visit be
sure to stop by the Giraffe House to see these amazing creatures. |
