Sad loss of Sam the Toucan

BALTIMORE (WMAR) - The Zoo in Baltimore has announced sad news of the death of Sam the Toucan, one of the
Zoo's most known Animal Ambassadors.

Sam was having some medical problems that led to his death but lived a long thirteen years which is considered a full life for a toucan.

"Sam had been an Animal Ambassador for over twelve years and was one of the most recognizable faces and
voices of the program," said Amy Eveleth, animal collection specialist. "We have over 55 Animal Ambassadors, and Sam was certainly one of the most visible - he even appeared on National Geographic News and The Martha Stewart show."   

Sam was a friendly toucan that visited thousands of school kids and greeted the visitors that came to the Zoo. "Sam was a very vocal bird and you could hear him call all over the Zoo.  Without him the Animal Embassy is very quiet," continued Eveleth.  "He was such a large part of this program and he will be missed by staff, volunteers and anyone who ever met him during a school program or on grounds."

The keel-billed toucan also known as (Ramphastos sulfuratus), can be considered one of the larger toucan species. Toucans are found in Central America mostly in tropical lowland forests.

Unfortunately, the rainbow-billed toucan species has become endangered.