SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA – June 15, 2010 –

Coyote Point Museum is growing again! Three California Quail have come to roost in the Museum’s walk-through aviary. As of Saturday, June 12, the Quail were placed on display for the public.

The three Quail were brought to the Museum in May. They recently completed the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s mandated 30-day quarantine period and have begun the process of adapting to their new home in the Museum’s lush and leafy aviary.

The male Quail was originally collected by the Presidio Trust in order to start a captive breeding program at the San Francisco Zoo, but the program was placed on hold due to lack of space and funding. He was transferred to Coyote Point Museum with the hope that he could have a female Quail companion. Coyote Point Museum will be working closely with the Presidio Trust and the San Francisco Zoo in order to bring in the proper genetic match to begin the breeding program.

The two female Quail came to the Museum from the animal rehabilitation center at Wildcare in Marin. One of the females was illegally taken from the wild as an egg, and she was released into an elementary school yard. She started following the children around the yard, so concerned citizens brought her to the rehabilitation center. Because she was hatched and raised by humans she is imprinted and is unable to survive in the wild. The second female was brought to the center because she boldly wandered up to a private citizen. It is suspected that that she was raised by people and is thus also unable to survive on her own.

“The Quail are interacting with one another very well, and they are acclimating to their new home,” said Nikii Finch-Morales, the Museum’s Director of Wildlife. “We’re excited for everyone to come see them!”

The three California Quail join the Museum’s other native, non-releasable birds in the Museum’s 4,000-square-foot, walk-through aviary. The aviary is home to approximately two dozen birds, including a Great Blue Heron. Visitors can view the Quail and all of the Museum’s other live native animals Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10am – 5pm and Sundays, 12pm – 5pm. For more information about Coyote Point Museum’s exhibits and programs, go to www.coyoteptmuseum.org.