benidorm excursions logo

 

The Benidorm theme park Terra Natura has just designed a special home to house a disabled Toucan.

Tuqui an eleven year old female Toucan was diagnosed with a strange condition shortly after her arrival at the park.  This rare skin lesion on her wings makes it difficult for feathers to grow therefore limiting her ability to fly. 

During the first few months in the  Benidorm Park, Tuqui lived in the aviary with the other birds where they are able to fly around freely but she was unable to fly.  She could only jump from branch to branch, bravely defending herself from the attacks she received from the other birds, who recognized her disability and weakness.  She was also at risk of being injured if she fell from a great height.   tuquismall

Realizing that there was a problem Tuqui was seen by the park Vet, and she was diagnosed with a congenital deformity of her wings and an incurable skin condition that prevents feathers from growing to enable her to fly.

It is not possible for her to over come this disability so the vet and keepers devised  a clever strategy to improve Tuqui`s quality of life.

Tuqui was moved to a smaller area where she would feel safe and gradually regain her confidence again.  The area was enlarged at intervals as her confidence increased and an important bond grew between the Toucan and her keeper, very important for the bird to overcome the difficulties caused by its disability. 

The keeper has worked with Tuqui now for over a year patiently gaining the birds trust, adapting everything to her needs, such as placing branches at ground level and helping her to develop other skills to over come the physical barriers.   Tuqui is now able to cross distances of 20 cm jumping from branch to branch.
 
Tuqui  lives in a specially adapted area with other parrots and animals with problems.   Branches artfully arranged to form a ladder, allow Tuqui to move nimbly around the facility and enjoy a lifestyle as close to life in the wild.

In this facility are a pair a couple of sociable golden-headed lion tamarins and two noisy aratingas, one of which is missing a leg.   Thanks to the dedication and treatment from the park staff these animals and birds are able to survive despite their disabilities.

Tuqui’s special relationship with her keeper is evident. She likes to be stroked and climbs all over her keeper showing her affection with confidence and gratitude.  

Toucans are easily recognizable for their colorful plumage and for their beak.  They are very sociable birds that spend the majority of their lives in the trees feeding on fruit, insects and spiders.  They are in danger of extinction due to the destruction of their natural habitat, the tropical forests.

  • 1