Naples Zoo Welcomes Three Southern Crested Screamer Chicks

Naples Zoo is celebrating the arrival of three southern crested screamer chicks, hatched on August 10th, 2026, marking the first successful hatch for parents Jamie Lee and Peggy and for this species at Naples Zoo.

The chicks are the first offspring for four-year-old Jamie Lee and thirteen-year-old Peggy, who were paired based on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The SSP helps manage healthy and genetically diverse populations of select species within AZA accredited zoos and aquariums.

Known for their loud daily vocalizations that zoo guests may hear, both new parents have been attentive throughout the chicks’ development with Jaime Lee being an especially protective father. All three chicks are growing quickly, becoming taller and more robust as they begin losing their soft down and developing adult feathers. The chicks are expected to fledge in approximately one month.

Southern crested screamers are native to South America and are typically found in wetlands, marshes, and other areas near water. The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. However, populations in parts of their native range face pressures from habitat loss, including deforestation and the draining of wetlands for development.

Guests will be able to see Jamie Lee, Peggy and their three growing chicks together on habitat later this month.