The two red hornbills came to Rhenen about 15 years ago through the owner of the zoo, Marcel Boekhoorn. The birds, which only occur in the wild in the Philippines, then had a closed leg ring. Such a ring is mandatory for endangered species and contains unique information about where the bird comes from. According to the zoo, this proves that the birds were not illegally taken from nature, but came from a breeder. But according to the ministry, this is not correct, and fifteen years ago a leg ring alone was not sufficient.
A boost for Ouwehands Zoo: hornbills are allowed to stay for a while
