Marabou stork: His name is Einstein

THE marabou stork chick that hatched earlier this year is all grown up and has adjusted well to his new famed life as one of the show birds at the Umgeni River Bird Park.

Affectionately named Einstein, the stork has been taught to fly, walk around the stage and interact with the crowds for the park’s educational shows.

Einstein is following in the footsteps of his famous father, Clyde, who was also a show bird.

Joining Einstein in the daily shows is the crowned crane, various owls, macaws and vultures. What’s more, the team at the park are also expecting five brand-new show birds to join the show during the festive season, and 20 new species for the displays will also be adding to the wonder at the park.

These include eight new African finch species and five duck species as well as vulturine guinea fowl.

Another star attraction at the show is the Cape parrots. As they are an endangered species, the team hopes that the newly-formed pair would bond and breed. According to Grant Aggett-Cox, the park’s education manager, there are only 1 500 Cape parrots left in the world.

The educational shows are hosted daily at 11am and 2pm and feature ten to 12 of the show birds. Contact 031 579 4600.

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