Return of the Turkeys

A male wild turkey, photographed at the Prospect Park Zoo. The wild turkeys, one of two turkey species (the oscillated turkey occurs in Central and South America) are one of the great American conservation success stories.

Nearly wiped out from over-hunting and habitat loss, wild turkeys made an amazing comeback in the 20th century due to strict hunting regulations and other conservation measures. Today this once elusive bird makes cameo appearances in such urbanized settings as New York’s central park and the Bronx Zoo — as a visitor.

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