African Sacred Ibis

Cairo African Sacred Ibis.jpg

African Sacred Ibis Fun Facts 

  • African Sacred Ibis, as the name suggests, are native to the majority of sub-Saharan Africa. However. they have established introduced populations in Europe.
  • Its long probing bill helps aerate the soil in areas it forages for food.
  • Sacred Ibis are versatile and adaptive. They eat insects, other invertebrates, reptiles, little birds, fish, and frogs, but have also been found near people, hunting for food on farms or in landfills.
  • Sacred Ibis were revered in ancient Egypt as Thoth, the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, knowledge, and was often depicted with the head of an ibis.
  • Sacred ibis are technically bald. Their head and neck are completely unfeathered.

Meet Cairo the Sacred Ibis 

African Sacred Ibis Cairo 2.jpg

 

Cairo

Cairo was hatched at the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo in 2023 and hand-reared by staff. If you notice that he isn’t shy about being close to guests, that’s why! He can often be found keeping our bronze sculptures company. He is also a big fan of our two female spoonbills, Fern and Violet. You can meet Cairo in-person when you visit the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo!

 

 

 

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