Written by Bird Keepers Rene Ryan, Danny Keel and Mollie Coym
The Houston Zoo has played host to the St. Vincent Parrot since 1968. Our first resident was an outgoing young female named “Vincent”. She was later paired up with a male and housed in the Tropical Bird House for all guests to experience. We are proud to have achieved, with help from “Vincent”, the first successful captive hatch (worldwide, mind you!) on April 25, 1972. The zoo has played an important role for this species ever since.
This Houston Chronicle article from 1970 featured the first St. Vincent Amazons at the Houston Zoo.
Our most recent hatch, “Vincent Deuxieme”, occurred on May 28, 2008. She was hand-raised by Bird Department Supervisor Chris Holmes and the Bird Staff, which entails hand feeding every two hours from sun up to sun down. Her moniker was borrowed from the female who started it all. “Vincent” is currently living the good life next to her parents in our Off Exhibit Facilities.
The Houston Zoo made headlines in 2008 as we welcomed the hatching of Vincent Deuxieme
To learn more about this exotic and fascinating species and their history here at the Houston Zoo, join us on Sunday, September 4th at the St. Vincent building (near Stormy the bird bank) for our Spotlight on the Species. Keepers will be hosting fun activities, providing information and answering any questions you may have about this special parrot from 11 AM until 3 PM.
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