CELEBRATED SPECIES OF THE MONTH
NOW CELEBRATING | July 2026
Rex the Shoebill
The prehistoric-looking bird with the unforgettable shoe-shaped bill.

🎁Free this month

Don’t Miss This Month’s Free Celebration Pack!

Celebrate Rex with a free printable pack filled with fun activities, fascinating facts, a collectible Wildlife Pal Badge, and more.

Available free through July 31

DISCOVER THE SHOEBILL
Hi, I’m Rex!
Welcome to my marsh.

Let’s start with five quick facts to help you learn more about me and the wetland world I call home.

FIVE QUICK FACTS ABOUT ME
  • You’ll only find me in the wetlands of Africa.
  • There are only about 5,000 to 8,000 of us left in the wild.
  • My bill-clapping sound helps me communicate.
  • I can stand perfectly still for hours while hunting.
  • My giant bill helps me catch fish.

Heroes Protecting Shoebills

I’m not the only one helping protect shoebills. These amazing organizations work every day to protect my marsh home and the wildlife that depends on it.

African Parks
Protecting wetlands and important shoebill habitat.
→ Explore African Parks
Nature Uganda
Working with communities to protect wetlands and shoebills.
→ Explore Nature Uganda
Save the Shoebill Conservation Project (SSCP)
Dedicated to shoebill research and conservation.
→ Explore Save the Shoebill
Edge of Existance Project
Protecting some of the world’s most evolutionarily unique and endangered species, including the shoebill.
→ Explore Edge of Existance Projcet

Where to See a Shoebill

Seeing a shoebill in person can inspire a lifelong love of wildlife. If you’re hoping to meet me, there are only two accredited zoos in the United States where you can see these remarkable birds.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Home to one of the few shoebills in the United States, where visitors can learn about this remarkable bird and the wetlands it calls home.
→ Explore ZooTampa
Dallas Zoo
A second accredited U.S. zoo where visitors can observe shoebills and learn more about their conservation.
→ Explore Dallas Zoo

Maybe one day we’ll meet in person! If you come visit, don’t forget to tell your family and friends about shoebills and why our wetlands are worth protecting.

LEARN WITH REX
I’ve gathered three of my favorite books and resources to help you and your family learn more about me and the amazing wetland world I call home.

Facts About The Shoebill Stork

A wonderful introduction to one of Africa’s most fascinating birds.

View on Amazon →

The Wonderful World of Shoebill Storks

Discover fun facts and amazing photos that bring shoebills to life.

View on Amazon →

Do Not Stare At The Shoebill Stork

A fun picture book introducing young readers to one very unforgettable shoebill.

View on Amazon →
EXPLORE WITH REX
I’ve gathered three of my favorite plush, puzzles, and educational toys to help you continue your shoebill adventure.

Shoebill Plush Family

Three adorable shoebills ready for imaginative play and endless adventures.

View on Amazon →

Wild Republic Eco Shoebill Plush

AA soft, cuddly shoebill made with recycled materials that’s perfect for wildlife-loving families.

View on Amazon →

The Wetlands Shaped Puzzle

A colorful puzzle that celebrates the beauty of wetlands while encouraging observation and problem-solving.

View on Amazon →

PROTECT WITH REX

I’ve gathered three of my favorite wildlife-inspired gifts to help you celebrate shoebills and share my story with others. Every conversation helps more people discover why wetlands are worth protecting.

Shoebill Distressed T-Shirt

Wear your support for shoebills and help start conversations about wetland conservation.

View on Amazon →

Shoebill Statue Desk Decoration

A unique reminder of one of the world’s most extraordinary birds and the wetlands they call home.

View on Amazon →

Shoebill Tumbler

Choose reusable, refill often, and help reduce single-use waste while celebrating shoebills.

View on Amazon →
Every hero starts with one species.
Learn their story.
Help protect their future.
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