6. The Black Hornbill

Welcome to the newest episode of Conservationist Assembled, where we venture into the intriguing world of Asian hornbills with our special guest, Tom Clark, a renowned expert in the area. Black hornbills, a unique and vulnerable species, are in dire need of understanding and preserving.

In this inspiring episode, we take a closer look at the important conservation efforts for these fascinating creatures, including the essential work done by charities such as Hutan and Gaia. Learn about the usefulness of artificial nest boxes, the intricacies of zoo support, breeding programs, and critical research involved in saving hornbills.

Tom, also a member of the critical Black Hornbill Species Committee, shares his valuable knowledge on the planning of future progression strategies for the hornbills and best practices on their care. Discover the unique challenges and opportunities presented when managing conservation in today's changing world landscape.

We further discuss the unique characteristics and behaviors of hornbills, emphasizing their major role in rainforest seed dispersal and indirect support for other wildlife. Our friendly guest shares his captivating experiences and interactions with these one-of-a-kind creatures, providing a glimpse of their prehistoric appearances, peculiar sounds, and amazing nesting habits.

Last but not least, we journey from humble beginnings as a bird caretaker to emerging as a section leader, complete with engaging anecdotes featuring other exotic creatures like monitor lizards, cockatoos, and great grey owls. We conclude with thoughtful introspection on training methods and the ongoing quest for enhancing animal treatment in zoos.

Join us as we deep dive into the captivating world of zookeeping and conservation with our seasoned expert, exploring his career highlights including breeding successes and training initiatives. Animal lovers and future conservationists alike are sure to find something to resonate with in this enlightening discussion.