Zaire Turaco

Lila, a brightly colored Zaire turaco, gained fame for her unique ability to mimic sounds. One day, during a maintenance visit, she surprised a zookeeper by perfectly imitating the beep of their walkie-talkie. Over time, she added more sounds to her repertoire, including the whistle of the train that passes near the zoo. Visitors often hear Lila’s imitations before they see her, making her one of the most entertaining residents. Her vocal talents have also drawn attention to the beauty and intelligence of turacos, which are often overlooked in conservation efforts.