Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida is home to over 2,000 animals representing 300 different species. These animals require specialized care, and in some cases, that includes the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) bands. These bands are the size of a grain of rice and are used to monitor the breeding behaviors and diets of northern carmine bee-eaters.
By tracking the birds’ eating habits, animal care teams can ensure they are receiving the proper balance of bugs from their dietitians and from the wild. RFID technology provides valuable insight into the birds’ activity, location, behavior, and responses to training cues. This information helps scientists understand more about the breeding behaviors of these birds and how they respond to various stimuli.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is committed to enhancing their understanding of various species and ensuring that all animals receive the specialized care they need. The park closely monitors the breeding and feeding habits of over 100 birds, including the largest population of carmine bee-eaters in any Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution.
Andrew, a research programs specialist on the Animals, Science and Environment team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, expressed excitement about implementing cutting-edge technology to improve the care of these birds. He is looking forward to expanding this research to include other bird species and continuing to enhance our understanding of all unique animals at the park.
