# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DGtJiAHvUcE
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/29017151-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/0eb4e973f6.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-03-02T17:32:10.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

Introducing #BabyBill ☀️🐣

We’re happy to report we welcomed a southern ground hornbill chick that hatched in late December.

Both chick and mom are doing great so far, and Wildlife Care is waiting for #BabyBill to fledge (meaning, leave the nest log). This will usually come anywhere between 80-90 days and as of today, the chick is 62 days old.

As you can see, its bill has become more prominent recently (although it’s still only half the size of an adults’ bill). It’s worth noting that southern ground hornbills have very particular eyelashes - modified feathers which protect their eyes from sand and debris. This is Catelyn and Biko’s sixth successful offspring here at your Toronto Zoo.

We don’t know the sex of the fledgling currently, as it requires a genetic test from blood work to determine. Once the sex is determined, we will usually give him/her a name.

Did you know? Southern ground hornbills are classified internationally as Vulnerable, but are Endangered in South Africa and Namibia. This species is at your Toronto Zoo and part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). 

Please note the hornbill chick is not viewable to Zoo guests as the family is currently enjoying the warm comforts of their behind-the-scenes habitat. As summer approaches, be sure to look for them in the Savanna alongside the greater kudu. ☀️ #BabyBill #savingspecies

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## Tags

babybill, savingspecies

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