Meet Our Animals
The Brandywine Zoo proves that great things do come in small packages. The Zoo features animals from the tropical and temperate areas of North and South America, Asia and Africa. Our animals range from more common species to the highly endangered. All enjoy natural settings and welcome your visit to the zoo. Some animals may be off exhibit during cold weather.
Ramphastos toco
Toco Toucans

Habitat
Geographic Region & Range
Diet
Physical Description
Toco toucans are the largest of all toucan species. They have a black body, white throat, and a large yellow-orange to red-orange colored beak with a distinct black marking at the tip of the bill.
Size
Weight
Lifespan
Usually mid to late teens, up to 20-25 years
Threats
Status

What are AZA Zoos doing for
Toco Toucans
Their zoo population is managed through conservation breeding programs called Species Survival Plan programs, which ensures genetic diversity and species health. While toco toucans are not currently endangered, they do face some threats in their natural habitats which include alteration of their habitat, hunting, and the pet trade. AZA zoos are working to maintain a long-term, genetically valuable population of toco toucans through their SSP program.
Fun Facts
Toucans’ calls can be heard up to a half mile away!
The toucan’s beak appears quite heavy, but is actually light. It is hollow and made of keratin with thin rods of bone to support it – the inside has a similar consistency to a very hard sponge.
Toco toucans are the largest of all toucan species!
Unlike most toucans, tocos don’t live in forests – they prefer open areas like grasslands or shrublands
Toucans use their bills to thermoregulate – to control their internal body temperature. Having a big bill helps to keep these birds cool!