Two remarkable bird species have made their public debut at Wrocław Zoo’s Bird House following a successful acclimatisation period. The newcomers are the Helmeted curassow (Pauxi pauxi) and Allen’s gallinules (Porphyrio alleni), with the latter representing the only pair currently kept in a Polish zoo.
Their arrival is part of the zoo’s international conservation breeding strategy developed in cooperation with European institutions. The helmeted curassows, native to the rainforests of South America, joined Wrocław Zoo through a partnership with the World Pheasant Association and now occupy an outdoor aviary alongside blue-winged macaws. The species is threatened by deforestation and hunting, while its distinctive helmet-like casque has historically made it a target for poachers.
The Allen’s gallinules arrived from Leipzig Zoo and are a first for Poland. Native to African wetlands, these colourful birds are famous for their exceptionally long toes, which spread their weight across floating aquatic vegetation, allowing them to appear as though they are “walking on water.”
“The arrival of these two species in our Bird House is a great source of satisfaction, but also an important breeding responsibility. The helmeted curassows are extremely curious and readily observe visitors, whereas the Allen’s gallinules are much more secretive and reward patient observation. We hope the excellent conditions we have created in Wrocław will eventually lead to breeding success for both species,” said Robert Strasenburg, Head of the Bird Section at Wrocław Zoo.
