Cleopatra, the Egyptian heron, is a striking presence in the wetland section of the zoo. With her long, slender neck and snow-white plumage accented by golden streaks, she moves with a regal elegance that befits her name.
Cleopatra is not just a beauty; she’s also incredibly resourceful. Her favorite pastime involves “fishing” in her artificial pond. Using her sharp beak, she gently stirs the water to mimic the movements of prey, a behavior that showcases her natural hunting instincts. Visitors are often fascinated to learn that herons like Cleopatra were once revered in ancient Egyptian culture, symbolizing creation and renewal.
One sunny afternoon, Cleopatra surprised her keepers by catching a dragonfly mid-flight, a feat that required impeccable timing. She stood proudly on one leg, her prize dangling from her beak, as if waiting for applause. Cleopatra’s grace and intelligence make her a living embodiment of the majesty of wetland ecosystems.