Chester Zoo Welcomes First Secretarybird Chicks in 95 Years

Chester Zoo has announced the successful hatching of five secretarybird chicks, a first for the zoo in its 95-year history. This event highlights the breeding efforts for this endangered African bird of prey.

The chicks were hand-reared by keepers who meticulously recorded their development. The parents, John and Jolene, were brought to the zoo a few years ago, and after extensive observation of their courtship, the conditions for breeding were established. The zoo noted that only three other secretarybird chicks had hatched in a European breeding program over the past year.

Secretarybirds, known for their long legs and unique hunting methods, are classified as endangered due to habitat loss from farming and urbanization. Chester Zoo plans to share its findings with other conservation zoos to aid in the breeding of this species.