Frost Science is sad to share that one of the recently hatched roseate spoonbill chicks has died. It was one of a pair of chicks that hatched at the end of June, the first successful clutch from the museum’s adult spoonbills.

Last week, the museum’s animal husbandry staff observed that the chick had an apparent broken leg, likely sustained as its parents were caring for it in the nest. Our veterinary team attempted to repair it surgically—a difficult operation on such a young animal—but the injury was more extensive than could be seen on X-ray and the chick did not survive the operation.

“This is an unfortunate outcome, and one that we regret having to share today,” says Frost Science Senior Director of Animal Husbandry and Living Exhibitions, Skip Uricchio. “With very young animals and inexperienced parents, accidents can happen, though that doesn’t make it any less sad for our staff and the guests who have been excited to see the chicks.”

The remaining spoonbill chick has been growing quickly, eating well, and appears healthy. It can be seen in the museum’s Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Aviary.

Frost Science’s roseate spoonbills are important ambassadors for their species, raising awareness about the need for conservation action. While roseate spoonbills are not currently listed on the federal endangered species list, they are designated by the State of Florida as threatened. Roseate spoonbills are sensitive to habitat degradation, particularly in their feeding and nesting habitats.