From the success of the nest adoption program evolved an educational component. In 2001, Woodland Park Zoo initially began providing funds for equipment for these educational programs. In 2003, local villagers donated land and began construction of the Budo Hornbill Conservation and Education Center (BHCEC) in Tapoh village. This facility was dedicated in February 2004. Since then, Woodland Park Zoo and Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom have annually provided funding for educational staff and programs associated with hornbill and habitat conservation.

MORE: Photographs Hornbill video LINKS: Find out more about Woodland Park Zoo’s efforts to save hornbills: Profile: Dr. Pilai Poonswad Dr. Pilai Poonswad wins Rolex Award Hornbill Taxon Advisory Group Article about the Hornbill Research Foundation From the BBC

In recent years, the HRF has employed nest guardians to construct and install artificial nest structures in the surrounding forest to increase breeding potential for the birds. One of the primary limiting factors for hornbill survival is suitable nesting sites. Since hornbills are large birds that nest in cavities, they require large diameter trees for nesting. Frequently in the tropics, such large trees are often felled for wood products or clearing of land for agriculture/agronomy (e.g. palm oil plantations). In addition, hornbills do not excavate their own nest cavities. The number of naturally occurring cavities in large diameter trees is limited. These artificial nests have met with some success as several nests have been occupied by breeding pairs of hornbills. View a map showing participating villages, natural nests and artificial nests.

Woodland Park Zoo is excited to continue their support of these programs in Thailand. It can be said that the hornbills need the forests as much as the forests need the hornbills (for seed dispersal). It also can be said that the local villagers need the forests as much as the forests need the villagers (for stewardship and protection). With such sound conservation programs, everybody wins.

Adopt a Hornbill Nest!
You can directly help hornbills in Thailand by contributing to the Hornbill Nest Adoption Program. For $150, you adopt a nest which covers the cost of hiring villagers to protect the nest and young. You will receive photos and updates of the nest that you adopt. One-hundred percent of your donation goes directly to saving these birds!

If you would like to add further support of this important study, please contact eric.kowalczyk@zoo.org for further details or send a check for $150 to: Woodland Park Zoo, 601 N. 59th Street, Seattle, WA 98103-5858. Make sure you note "Hornbill Nest Adoption" in the memo line of your check. All funds go directly to the Nest Adoption project.