The Living Desert asks for public’s help as bird goes missing
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Living Desert needs your help after one of its birds went missing on Thursday.
According to the zoo, the bird is a Southern ground hornbill. It is described as very large, standing at three feet tall with a wingspan of four to six feet. It is black with distinctive red skin on its face and throat.
According to the zoo, the hornbill flew away from zoo grounds on Thursday. Staff initially tracked the bird, but due to the steep terrain, couldn't follow its path.
Drone and camera traps have been used but have not been successful in locating the bird. It was last seen on Friday near the Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
The zoo said it is known to roost in trees at night and spend much of its time on the ground during the day.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is requesting the public’s assistance in spotting the bird and asks that spotters note location coordinates by dropping a pin in Google Maps and calling the Living Desert between 8 am – 5 pm at 760-346-5694 or after hours at 760-851-5022. If you spot the avian, the zoo asks you keep your distance to avoid startling it and contacting zoo staff with its location.
