In a delightful twist of fate, a six-year-old toucan from Surrey, named Boy, has soared to international fame as the star of a bestselling video game, Sea of Thieves. The charming bird from Birdworld, located in Farnham, has found himself in the spotlight as a key character in the popular action-adventure multiplayer game developed by Xbox Game Studios’ Rare. His newfound fame, however, is not just a story of an animal’s unexpected role in gaming—it’s a celebration of wildlife conservation, the unique charm of Toco Toucans, and the importance of sound design in gaming.
Boy’s Big Break: From Birdworld to Sea of Thieves
Boy’s journey to becoming an unlikely video game star began with Rare’s search for authentic animal sounds to include in Sea of Thieves. The game, which lets players embark on pirate adventures in an expansive open world, has become famous for its immersive environment and playful addition of pet companions. After deciding to add a toucan to their lineup of in-game pets, the team at Rare faced a challenge—finding authentic toucan sounds for the game.
The Search for the Perfect Sound
The team at Rare was determined to find real, natural toucan calls for their new pet character. After searching across the UK, Birdworld was recommended as the home of the Toco Toucan, a species known for its distinct and unusual calls. With over 181 species of birds on display, Birdworld became the ideal location for Rare’s sound designers to capture the true essence of a toucan’s vocalizations.
Katie Tarrant, Senior Sound Designer at Rare, recalls her surprise when she discovered that no sound effects library included toucan calls. Determined to find a solution, the team at Rare reached out to Birdworld, where Boy—who is known for his cheeky and charismatic personality—became the perfect candidate.
Recording the Unique Sounds of Boy the Toucan
Boy’s recording session, however, was not without its challenges. Initially camera-shy, Boy took some time to warm up to the sound recording team. But, after spending some time in a separate pen and getting accustomed to the process, Boy became more comfortable, even attempting to eat the microphone at one point, much to the amusement of the team.
This behind-the-scenes moment highlights Boy’s quirky personality, which proved to be just the kind of character Rare was looking for. The team carefully recorded a mix of Boy’s squawks and clicking sounds, which were later edited and integrated into Sea of Thieves as the toucan’s in-game voice.
The Toucan’s Role in Sea of Thieves
Once Boy’s sounds were captured and edited, they were included in the game, where players can now interact with the Toco Toucan as a pet. This addition to Sea of Thieves has been well-received, with players expressing their love for the toucan’s distinct sounds and lively personality. The toucan, with its vibrant colors and unique vocalizations, adds a layer of charm and authenticity to the game, which is known for its immersive world and whimsical features.
The Toco Toucan: A Species in Decline
Beyond Boy’s rise to stardom in the gaming world, his newfound fame has also helped to shine a light on the conservation efforts needed to protect the Toco Toucan species. According to Polly Bramham, Birdworld’s Living Collections Manager, Toco Toucans are classified as a species of Least Concern in terms of conservation, thanks to stable populations. However, there are ongoing threats that could endanger the species if left unaddressed.
The main threats facing Toco Toucans include habitat loss due to deforestation and illegal trapping for the pet trade. While their populations are still relatively stable, the declining numbers of many toucan species—including 39 out of 50 species experiencing population declines—highlight the urgent need for continued conservation efforts.
By highlighting Boy and his species, Birdworld hopes to raise awareness of the plight of toucans in the wild. The more people understand the challenges facing these beautiful birds, the better equipped they will be to advocate for their protection.
Boy’s Return to Normal Life
After his moment of fame in the virtual world, Boy has returned to his regular routine at Birdworld. He continues to enjoy his target training sessions, where he receives the full attention of his dedicated keepers. Polly Bramham jokingly remarks that Boy may have developed a “diva” attitude after his taste of stardom—something that comes with the territory of being a celebrity.
As for Sea of Thieves players, they can continue to enjoy the delightful presence of Boy’s virtual counterpart in the game. His charming squawks and playful personality serve as a reminder of the real-world creatures that inspire the characters in the games we love.
Conservation and Education: Protecting the Toco Toucan
Boy’s role in Sea of Thieves has brought much-needed attention to the importance of wildlife conservation. With the decline in toucan populations worldwide, Birdworld’s efforts to educate the public about these magnificent birds are more important than ever. Visitors to Birdworld are encouraged to learn about the Toco Toucan and other endangered species, as well as the steps that can be taken to protect them.
In addition to their work with Sea of Thieves, Birdworld actively participates in global conservation initiatives, working to preserve habitats and raise awareness about the threats faced by wildlife. For those looking to support conservation efforts, Birdworld offers a wealth of educational resources and opportunities to contribute to the cause.
Conclusion: Boy the Toucan’s Lasting Impact
Boy’s journey from a lovable toucan at Birdworld to a viral sensation in Sea of Thieves exemplifies the power of video games to raise awareness about real-world issues, such as wildlife conservation. By featuring Boy’s unique vocalizations and vibrant personality, Rare has given the Toco Toucan a new platform to reach millions of players worldwide.
As Sea of Thieves players continue to enjoy the company of their virtual toucan companions, they are also reminded of the importance of preserving the habitats and populations of real-world toucans. The game’s inclusion of Boy the Toucan serves as both a celebration of these incredible birds and a call to action for their protection.
For more information on Boy and his role in conservation, as well as to learn more about the Toco Toucan, visit Birdworld’s official website.