First Breeding of the Knobbed Hornbill in Czech Zoos

Only 12 institutions worldwide keep this endangered species, and in the past year, only two chicks have hatched in Europe, including this one. The breeding pair arrived at Zoo Zlín in 2018, with the current pair formed in 2022. The first successful hatching occurred in June 2024, after a previous attempt in 2023 failed due to unfertilized eggs.

Breeding these hornbills is challenging. During nesting, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity with only a small opening. The male feeds her and the chick for several months through this opening until they are ready to leave the nest.

Knobbed hornbills live only on Sulawesi and nearby islands. They are large, colorful birds with distinctive casque-shaped beaks. Their diet mainly includes fruit, insects, and specially prepared food at the zoo.

Due to habitat loss and poaching, the species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. This breeding success further highlights Zoo Zlín’s international reputation in bird conservation.

Photo by Ewa Kožik.