A California zoo announced a hornbill, a large exotic bird native to Africa, was found at a country club after a weekend on the loose. File Photo by Lisi Niesner/EPA
Dec. 16 (UPI) — A California zoo announced a hornbill, a large exotic bird native to Africa, was found at a country club after a weekend on the loose.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert said Pili, a Southern ground hornbill, escaped while being transferred to a holding area on Thursday.
Pili was spotted Monday at The Reserve Club, a country club near the zoo in the mountain foothills of Indian Wells.
Animal care staff rushed to the location and were able to safely bring the bird home.
“I am happy to report that the bird appears healthy and uninjured following its brief adventure,” Allen Monroe, CEO and president of The Living Desert, said in a statement provided to the Desert Sun newspaper. “The 8-year-old male hornbill is currently undergoing veterinary evaluation and will eventually be placed on habitat with the female Mabel.”
The zoo said a thorough review of Pili’s escape is being conducted to prevent future incidents.