How Disney Saved the Guam Kingfisher from Extinction

October 24, 2024

How Disney Saved the Guam Kingfisher from Extinctiont

Disney World is not only a place of entertainment but also a hub for important conservation efforts. One such initiative involves the Guam kingfisher, a bird that was declared extinct in the wild in 1988 due to the invasive brown tree snake. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is part of a collaborative effort to reintroduce the sihek to its natural habitat.

Two Guam kingfishers, also known as sihek, were reared at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and recently released on Palmyra Atoll. This marks a significant step forward, as it is the first time in nearly 40 years that the birds have been released into the wild.

Disney has been involved in the conservation of the Guam kingfisher since 1983. Through its team work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Guam Kingfisher Species Survival Plan (SSP), Disney’s Animal Kingdom has played a crucial role in breeding and caring for these birds. Disney’s veterinarians and animal care experts have shared their expertise with collaborators in the Sihek Recovery Program, ensuring the birds’ well-being and preparing them for their eventual return to Guam.

Reintroducing Guam kingfishers is a complex process that involves hand-rearing them in managed care settings, acclimatizing them to a predator-free habitat, and eventually releasing them back into Guam where they can breed naturally. To prepare for the 2024 release, a handful of Guam kingfishers underwent pre-release quarantine and health assessments. Two of the birds under Disney’s care were flown to the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas, where they stayed before being transported to Palmyra Atoll.

Before being released, each sihek was fitted with a tiny radio transmitter device so teams could track their progress and movements on the island. Disney’s ongoing support ensures that the birds’ well-being remains a priority as they acclimate to their new habitat.

Disney’s efforts to save the sihek are just one part of the dedicated work in Guam. Teams are also actively involved in aiding the repopulation of the small Guam rail, a bird known locally as the ko’ko’. Additionally, Disney Conservation is committed to protecting wildlife and building a diverse global community inspired to celebrate the magic of nature.

Photo credit: Landon McReynolds/Disney

How Disney Saved the Guam Kingfisher from Extinction 1

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Ana Leal

Former Walt Disney World Cast Member (Tomorrowland attractions and Guest Relations)
Disney is my biggest passion, i love fashion and photography so if are looking for the latest Disney Style trends im your girl!..Instagram: @ana_leal