(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – There's a new animal at the Shedd Aquarium, and guests may get to see it up close.
The 5-year-old toco toucan, named Artie, has been spending time behind the scenes, getting used to his surroundings. But soon, officials say, he’ll be making his way into public areas with a handler as part of the aquarium’s “engagement animal” program.
“These up-close opportunities provide a close connection to nature and help support Shedd’s mission of sparking compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world,” according to a Shedd news release.
The bird has a 7-inch beak, with a body about as tall, and weighs 1.5 pounds. The species -- the largest type of toucan -- is native to the Amazon River region and typically eat fruit, insects, eggs and other birds’ nestlings, the Shedd Aquarium said.
Why do toucans have such large beaks? They may be tied to courtship, or they could be for self-defense, officials said.
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