Entebbe, Uganda: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is anticipating a historic conservation breakthrough as it awaits the hatching of the first Shoebill egg ever laid in captivity at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), commonly known as Entebbe Zoo.
Wildlife experts say Monday, March 9, marked the 39th day of incubation, raising expectations that the rare bird could hatch soon.
According to Assistant Animal Keeper Hannington Bulemu, who monitors the nest daily, the incubation process has progressed steadily as the zoo’s conservation team closely observes the egg.
Typically, Shoebill stork eggs incubate for between 30 and 35 days, with both parents taking turns sitting on the eggs. However, in captivity, the incubation period can extend up to 45 days, depending on environmental conditions and parental behaviour.
A similar case was recorded in 2008 at Pairi Daiza Zoo in Belgium, where the first Shoebill ever bred in captivity hatched successfully after an extended incubation period.
Rare Bird Conservation Milestone
If the egg hatches successfully, it would mark a major milestone in Uganda’s conservation efforts, as Shoebills are among the rarest and most iconic birds in Africa.
The species, scientifically known as Balaeniceps rex, is native to East African wetlands and is best known for its enormous shoe-shaped bill used to hunt fish and other prey.
Shoebills usually lay one to three eggs, but the timing of egg-laying can cause them to hatch on different days, a process known as asynchronous hatching.
In the wild, both parents share incubation duties and regularly cool their eggs by sprinkling water on them using their beaks.
Unique Bird of Uganda’s Wetlands
Shoebills are large, stork-like birds that can grow up to five feet tall with wingspans reaching eight feet. They are solitary hunters and often remain completely motionless for hours before striking their prey, which includes fish, snakes and even baby crocodiles.
The birds are also known for a unique cooling behaviour called urohydrosis, where they defecate on their legs to regulate body temperature in hot environments.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Shoebills are generally quiet birds but can produce a loud machine-gun-like rattling sound by clattering their bills, especially during mating.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Shoebills are classified as vulnerable, with only 3,300 to 5,300 individuals remaining in the wild.
Their primary habitats include swamps, wetlands and marshes across East Africa, including Uganda’s famous birding areas.
Shoebills can live up to 35 years in the wild and nearly 50 years in captivity, making conservation programmes critical for protecting the species.
Wildlife authorities say the expected hatching at Entebbe Zoo could significantly boost conservation knowledge about breeding the rare bird in controlled environments.
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