In Brazil, electrical worker Joilson Brites Antunes was assigned the task of replacing a decaying wooden telephone pole with a concrete one.
However, as Antunes began his work, he made an unexpected discovery—the old wooden pole was not just a pole but also a home.
Near the top of the pole, Antunes found a wild toucan that had carved out a nest and was nurturing her chicks inside.
Realizing that removing the pole would displace the bird family, Antunes decided to take a compassionate approach.
With the approval of his employer, he carefully cut the portion of the wooden pole that contained the nest and securely attached it to the new concrete pole in the same location.
Antunes made sure to disturb the nest as little as possible, showing his concern for the well-being of the toucan and her chicks.
“[We] interfered as little as possible with the nest,” Antunes shared with local media.
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The toucan undoubtedly appreciated Antunes’ efforts as she returned to her home and continued caring for her babies as if nothing had changed.
While the new concrete pole symbolizes humanity’s technological progress and the provision of electricity, Antunes’ considerate actions remind us that progress can coexist with compassion.
In Antunes’ own words, “Compassion for animals is one of the noblest virtues of human nature.”
Toucans’ Typical Nests
Wild toucans usually nest in tree cavities, particularly in the hollows of old trees.
They are cavity nesters, meaning they seek out holes or crevices in trees to build their nests. Toucans cannot excavate their nest cavities, so they rely on natural tree hollows or the abandoned nests of other birds.
These nesting sites provide them with protection from predators and the elements.
Toucans may also modify the entrance of the nest cavity by enlarging or reshaping it to suit their needs.
They line the nest with leaves, twigs, and other plant materials to create a soft and comfortable bed for their eggs and nestlings.