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

Semi-open areas, such as woodland, grasslands, or plantations/farmland.

Geographic Region & Range

Tropical areas of central South America

Diet

Frugivore – mainly eats fruit, but will occasionally eat insects, eggs, and small frogs, lizards, or fish.

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

Average 25 inches (61 cm) in length

Weight

Generally between 1.2 to 1.5 lbs.

Lifespan

Usually mid to late teens, up to 20-25 years

Threats

Fortunately, the population of toco toucans is relatively stable, however other forest toucans are under threat due mainly to the deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest to make way for cattle ranches and roads. Hunting and trapping toucans to be pets or stuffed trophies is also a danger to the populations of many toucan species.

Status

Endangered

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!

 

Toco Toucans

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