LONDON ( Bernama-PA Media/dpa ): Three extinct-in-the-wild Socorro dove birds have hatched at London Zoo, marking a hopeful milestone in the bid to bring the varieties back from the brink of death, PA Media/dpa reported.
The pair, who emerged from their hens in late March, were born to two sets of relatives, who each arrived at the park in soon 2024.
It is part of an international breeding program which aims to boost figures of the animals so that they can be reintroduced to their native wildlife on Socorro Island, off the coast of Mexico, by 2030.
There are only about 180 Socorro birds left in the world, cared for by fewer than 50 protection organizations.
The introduction of three new birds at London Zoo marks a 2 per cent increase to the types ‘ full global community.
Gary Ward, London Zoo’s director of birds, said:” The moulting of three Socorro went babies at London Zoo is a great move forward in our part to bring this varieties back from the brink of death.
” After importing some birds from Portugal’s Lagos Zoo at the end of next year, as part of the co-ordinated breeding program, it’s great to then see them safely pairing with birds bred here at London Zoo.
” It’s a hopeful sign that a healthy Socorro dove population will return to their native island home one day. “
Socorro doves were once found in the dense woodlands of Socorro Island, but by the early 1970s their numbers had been decimated due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and the introduction of non-native predators.
Feral sheep, introduced in the late 1800s, had stripped the island of vegetation, destroying vital nesting sites.
Today, just 181 individuals remain in human care worldwide.
” Each successful hatch is a major step forward for the Socorro Dove Project,” said Ward.
” Socorro doves have been extinct in the wild since 1972, surviving only due to carefully managed breeding programmes across Europe and North America.
” It is from these programmes that we hope to see the species returned to its native island in the not-too-distant future. “
Adrian Walls, team leader for tropical birds at London Zoo, said:” The chicks are doing well and growing so quickly.
” We kept a close eye on the nest and saw some really promising behaviours from the new family, with both parents feeding and brooding their young- key indicators of a strong bond.
” As the chicks continue to develop, their dusty brown feathers will gradually shift into the rich cinnamon tones of adult Socorro doves, complete with incredible iridescent pink and blue feathers on the nape of their necks.
” It’s very exciting to have these three very special eggs, from an extinct-in-the-wild species, hatch here at the zoo- and just in time for Easter.
” We can’t wait to see the chicks grow from strength to strength this spring. “- Bernama-PA Media/dpa