Disney's Animal Programs on Guam

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Dozens of Mariana Kingfishers and Guam Rails are getting some special care from cast members of Disney's Animal Programs. Tano and others are getting health assessments this week thanks to a grant that allows clinical veterinarians from Disney to come to Guam and spend time with the birds. 

Dr. Deidre Fontenot says they've been coming to Guam for the last decade and the bird population that was once nearly extinct is healthy and growing. She told KUAM News, ""Because the program has been so successful that's why we've been able to do so many successful releases on Rota, so what we typically do is if they are planning a release, we'll do a health assessment on all the individual birds that are being released on Rota and if they look healthy and we don't see any concerns then we give them the go ahead to be released."

Assessments are also being conducted on captive and outreach birds as well as birds found on Cocos Island. Another release of 50 birds is expected on Rota in the coming days.