Sushi, an endangered shoebill stork excited me the most during the behind scenes tour at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. My designated zoo guide advised me to bow and shake my head as soon as the lovely bird came closer. I was awed by the respect Sushi demanded and as soon as he felt comfortable in my presence he reciprocated by bowing his head as well. At one point he nearly bit off a few strands of my hair with his shoe shaped beak that has extremely sharp edges. These lovely birds can weigh as much as 12 pounds and grow to a height of about 3.5-5ft. They can also spend a maximum of 35 years in captivity.
