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Greater rhea
We have four greater rhea here at Paignton Zoo, two males and two females named Sam, Speedy, Jess and Snowy. You can find them in our South American Pampa habitat opposite the giraffes.
Class:
Aves
Order:
Rheiformes
Family:
Rheidae
About the greater rhea
The greater rhea is the largest bird species in South America and is often compared to the ostrich due to its large size and flightless nature. It is widely distributed across eastern South America, with populations found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. Greater rheas typically inhabit open landscapes including grasslands, savannas, shrublands and agricultural areas, where they can move freely and spot potential predators from a distance.
Conservation
The greater rhea is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Greater rhea populations are declining, primarily due to human activities such as habitat loss, hunting and agricultural expansion.