The devastating floods that struck Calgary last month displaced thousands of people, but many animals are also looking for new homes after some enclosures were destroyed at the Calgary Zoo.
Two Hyacinth Macaws are heading to the Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton and zoo officials are scrambling to prepare for their arrival.
“Basically, they’re very much the same as the parrots,” says animal care foreman Jamie Carson. “We have experience raising here at the zoo very impressive species, the largest parrot species. We’re looking forward to having them.”
The birds won’t be travelling alone; two giant anteaters – animals not seen before in Moncton – will be arriving on the same flight.
“These are the only two giant anteaters in the country so, no, we’ve never had them here, nor has any other zoo to my knowledge,” says general manager Bruce Dougan.
Dr. Malu Celli, curator at the Calgary Zoo, says they have had to move 34 animals after their South America building closed due to flooding.
“We are grateful that the Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton has agreed to take two of our Hyacinth Macaws and two of our giant anteaters,” says Celli.
“All the zoos in this country will help each other out in a situation like this,” says Dougan. “Tragedy can befall any zoo in the country.”
The original plan was to have the macaws and anteaters call the Magnetic Hill Zoo home for the next five years but now zoo officials feel they may call Moncton their permanent home.
“There’s a good chance these animals are here for the rest of their lives,” says zoo worker Bernie Plourde. “For us, we’re fine with that.”
The macaws and anteaters are expected to land in Moncton in two weeks.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Jonathan MacInnis
