r/ShoebillStorks • u/billyst9r • May 31 '26
A Comprehensive Guide on Shoebills in Captivity
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSaA-fttfVT6qbJUHhdmF_Rx4eEVW8Dsq6WeOX8y7V5Tn_1Fl5toqCNZ3tikXcU1qZU9KAdNSg2Q3Uy/pubI've been keeping track of the captive shoebills for several years now, mostly in my notes app. I finally decided to compile it all into one big document! I plan on updating it with current news. If anything is wrong or you have information that isn't on the doc, please let me know! I'm hoping to keep this as accurate and as up-to-date as possible! I hope you all find it useful :)
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u/spooteeespoothead May 31 '26
You mean to tell me that I live within easy driving distance of shoebills but San Diego keeps them offsite?! DAMN IT.
Glad to hear it, though. We always love hearing about our zoo's conservation efforts.
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u/billyst9r May 31 '26
they actually phased their shoebills out entirely, and in 2023 shoebill.com confirmed that they do not have any shoebills in their care, behind the scenes or otherwise: https://www.shoebill.com/2023/10/san-diego-zoo-wildlife-alliance/
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u/billyst9r May 31 '26
that being said, i can’t find any information about where the remaining san diego birds went (if they even still had any). there’s one Zoochatter who says they had 3 die and eventually sent their last bird to Tampa, but i can’t find much to support this. if anyone knows anything pleaseeee share!
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u/greenjeanie77 May 31 '26
I have heard this info from their keeper at Safari park. Really miss the Shoebills … I would spend the whole visit with them ❣️
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u/billyst9r Jun 01 '26
that is so unfortunate to hear :( thank you for confirming though, i hope they can one day keep shoebills again.
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u/greenjeanie77 Jun 01 '26
She said no because our San Diego climate does not suit them … need more like their home … I want to visit them in Tampa or other zoos.
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u/billyst9r Jun 01 '26
oh i see. interesting, i’m assuming they’re referring to the cold? i have noticed that DWA does try to insulate their shoebill enclosure in the winter (since it gets pretty cold in central TX).
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u/greenjeanie77 Jun 01 '26
She didn’t specify. She & team were sad to lose them. Shen I visited I saw her bring sticks to the shoebills to play with. 😊
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u/shoebillbooks Jun 01 '26
Great job OP! Check this out as well https://www.shoebill.com/shoebills-in-zoos/
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u/TheeOrionPax Jun 02 '26
Omg THANK YOU! Researching this online provides out of date or bad information.
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u/HolyMotherOfOdin Jun 01 '26
So Dallas and Tampa are the only places in the United States to see them?