Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) Fact Sheet: Managed Care

(Fatima Lujan, personal communication, 2018)

General

• Curious but shy
  • Investigate new enrichment objects

Shelter requirements

• Trees with lots of leaves
• High places to perch
  • Active birds; move from branch to branch frequently

Diet and feeding

• Food items
  • Food pellets formulated for hornbills
  • Fresh fruit (e.g., banana, papaya, melon, apple, pear)
• Usually fed once per day; more often if breeding

Breeding

• Nest boxes for egg incubation
• Long introduction period used to ensure mate compatibility

Enrichment

• Cardboard piñatas filled with food pellets and fruit
• Mirrors in which to observe reflection
  • Elicit natural vocalizations

Toco Toucan at the San Diego Zoo.

Toco Toucans are curious, active birds. They enjoy food-filled piñatas, mirrors, and other enrichment items.

Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.