Brookfield Zoo aids in first step to reintroduce rare bird back into the wild

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Brookfield Zoo Chicago is celebrating a historic milestone for an extinct bird species, one it played a big role in behind the scenes.

“It’s kind of why we do the work that we do,” Associate Director of Avian Care and Conservation Cody Hickman said.

Hickman said since the 1980’s, Brookfield Zoo Chicago and a few others have been carrying for nearly 30 Guam kingfishers, also known as sihek by the indigenous CHamoru people of Guam.

Currently, the zoo says it is home to the largest population of birds with 21 sihek.

“It’s a small species that is similar to belted kingfisher’s that you may see, but they’re a bit smaller.”

The birds went extinct in the wild, with invasive brown tree snakes to blame. But late last month, for the first time, nine sihek were flown to the Palmyra Atoll, the first step in a reintroduction effort.

One of the birds released on Palmyra did originate here in Chicago. That bird’s name is Yayas.

“People need to kind of see how they do in the wild.”

Hickman said the zoo will continue to work with their sihek behind the scenes because of the critical nature of the recovery effort.

“A lot of moving parts and a lot of people working together to help this species out.”

Sihek Recovery Program, which is made up of conservationists from around the world, led the reintroduction program.

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