Parrots Rocky and Kiki: Tbilisi Zoo's brightest residents – video
Macaws at Tbilisi Zoo
Tbilisi Zoo is home to two species of macaws: scarlet macaws (Ara macao) named Rocky and Kiki, and blue-and-yellow macaws (Ara ararauna) named Chico and Paco. Their bright plumage catches visitors’ attention at first sight.
The macaws at Tbilisi Zoo are currently in the middle of their breeding season. Chico and Paco are expecting chicks. They usually incubate their eggs for 24–28 days. During this period, both parents actively protect and care for their future offspring.
Rocky and Kiki have become particularly cautious during this period. They often hide from people and rarely leave their enclosure. If you are planning to visit them at the zoo, keep in mind that they may be difficult to spot at the moment.
With proper care, macaws can live for 50–60 years, and sometimes even longer — more than 70 years. Rocky’s exact age is unknown, but he is the oldest parrot at Tbilisi Zoo. Despite his advanced age, Rocky still has the same short-tempered and grumpy nature he has always had.
Once, when a keeper was a little late with a treat — a nut — Rocky immediately made his “protest” known by biting him on the finger. Because of their powerful beaks, macaw bites can be very painful and may cause serious injuries.
Macaws are incredibly intelligent birds. They have excellent memories, and some can even imitate human voices and words.
Tbilisi Zoo‘s history spans nearly a century. It was founded on 10 February 1927 on the basis of the Caucasian Society for the Acclimatisation of Animals, which had been keeping wild animals since the early 20th century, though without official zoo status. The zoo was originally built on 70 hectares in the Vere River gorge. Over the years, the expansion of the capital — and later the devastating flood of 13 June 2015 — significantly reduced the territory of the old zoo. Today, it covers five hectares and is home to around 1,500 animals, each with its own story. In this video series, we will introduce you to the residents of Tbilisi Zoo. We will show how their day unfolds, how they interact with other animals and people, and how their behaviour changes depending on the weather and the season. Get ready to hear many fascinating stories.
Macaws at Tbilisi Zoo
