It was a proud day in the San Diego Zoo Bird Department when an Empress of Germany's bird of paradise chick hatched in 1981. The raggiana bird of paradise species were difficult to breed successfully in zoos, and this hatching was the first in North America. Even more impressive, the species continued to breed successfully and raise chicks for three years in a row. In 1983, the San Diego Zoo received the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums' significant achievement award for "consecutive propagation of a particular species" for the accomplishment. Posing with the award are (front row) Terry Mulroney, relief bird keeper; Harold Davis, principal bird keeper of the area; and David Rimlinger, bird keeper; and (back row) Kerry Muller, associate curator of birds; and Arthur Risser, curator of birds.