New exotic species at the zoo in Honfleur

After butterflies, birds form the most conspicuous form of wildlife amid the equatorial forest. For some time now, to enrich the tropical rainforest we have recreated, some rare exotic birds have joined our hundreds of butterflies in a completely novel presentation. Nearly a dozen different and unusual species can be observed at the Naturospace, such as for instance:
  • Tricoloured parrotfinches (Erythrura tricolor – Viellot 1817), sporting, as their name indicates, three colours: green, blue and red.
  • The southern crowned pigeon, (Goura sheepmakeri – Finsch 1876), a large terrestrial pigeon sporting an impressive crest of lacy feathers,
  • Small, playful and talkative multicoloured parrot species native to the Pacific islands: Swainson’s lorikeets or rainbow lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus – Linnaeus 1771), and chattering lories (Lorius garrulus – Linnaeus 1758)
  • Small, fun-looking partridges sporting metallic-coloured plumage from the dense tropical rainforests of Asia: crested partridges (Rollulus rouloul – Scopoli 1786)
  • A pair of small, colourful, adorable and rare tropical doves: pink-headed fruit doves (Ptilinopus porphyreus – Timminck 1822)
The birds living in the Naturospace Butterfly House have arrived at a young age since they adapt better that way to their environment and the sizeable room the glasshouse offers them. Most of those that have lived inside a cage or cramped aviaries are unable to fly properly. Wherever it is from, each new lodger must be patient before heading off into the glasshouse. It is first placed inside a quarantine room for nearly a month, and isolated by means of an airlock while health assessments are carried out. The bird is gradually introduced to the specific food the Naturospace will offer it. It then spends three weeks inside an introduction cage located inside the glasshouse so that it may view the tropical area and other birds among which it will live and share its habitat, whilst adapting to the climate. Then it is time for the cage to be opened and head off on a new adventure. Did you know?
The southern crowned pigeon holds all the records at the Naturospace, weighing 4.4 lbs. and sporting a 2.4 ft. wingspan when its blue wings are outstretched.
Prick up your ears inside the Naturospace, the song or calls of certain species such as the Java sparrows, lorikeets or tricoloured parrotfinches are what enable you to spot them.

Like fish in water at the Naturospace

Koi carps, fish of variegated colours, reach an impressive size. They are especially happy in their pond and each year spawn many carps. Children love to feed them with the granules available at the Shop.