If you’ve ever visited the Life exhibit at Orlando Science Center, you might’ve met Captain, our blue-and-yellow macaw. But Captain is no ordinary resident of OSC; he’s an ambassador for conservation! Captain has been a member of the Science Center family since 2017. He plays a significant role in helping guests understand the impact of macaws on their native ecosystems in Central and South America.
Most of the animals in Life live in the exhibit full time, but a few animals also live behind the scenes and act as “animal ambassadors.” They are trained to be more comfortable with human interaction, so visitors can get a little closer, providing a unique opportunity for a personal connection with some of the incredible creatures that share our planet.
(ROBERTO GONZALEZ/COURTESY OF ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER)
All the ambassador animals participate in programs on a voluntary basis. That means if Captain’s not in the mood to interact, he’s left alone to do his own thing — and he isn’t shy about sharing how he feels! Captain puts his big voice to use and lets his opinions be known. He’s very intelligent and can solve problems, plus mimic words and phrases.
Macaws play a critical role in conservation and forest regeneration, which is why it’s more important than ever that we spread the word. Macaws are gardeners of the forest because they disperse seeds across landscapes. Seed dispersal helps to maintain healthy forests and results in strong, diverse ecosystems here on Earth.
Sadly, the world’s macaw population is decreasing, with local extinctions of macaws confirmed in parts of Mexico and some Caribbean island populations. This decline signals forests in distress because without the macaws’ important contributions with seed dispersal, their ecosystems weaken. Protecting macaw habitats protects other tropical species that share the same ecosystems.
Don’t miss your opportunity to see one of nature’s most impressive species up close — along with other ambassador animals — in the Life exhibit! Trading cards are available for select ambassador animals during Animal Encounters, which take place at 11:00 a.m. in the swamp habitat.
And even better, if you’re an OSC Member, you enjoy unlimited access to the Science Center and can come as often as you want to meet some amazing animals! Get more info and tickets at OSC.org/visit.