Cooperative Agreement F22AC02767

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) was awarded a $498,390.60 cooperative agreement from the Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 1 under the Endangered Species Recovery Implementation (CFDA 15.657) federal grant program. The award will support ZSL's efforts to reestablish the critically endangered Sihek kingfisher in its native habitat on Guam and expand existing captive breeding populations between October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2026.

Specifically, ZSL will transport kingfisher eggs from Association of Zoos and Aquariums partner institutions to a quarantine facility in Hawaii for rearing and eventual release on Palmyra Atoll to establish the first wild population in 35 years. Excess birds from the quarantine facility will also be sent to Guam to supplement the captive breeding program housed at the Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources. ZSL will provide post-release monitoring of birds on Palmyra Atoll and visiting keeper support to care for kingfishers on Guam. The award aims to increase the global Sihek population and support recovery actions outlined in government recovery plans.