The bird is extinct in the will and the birds are part of an international reproduction program that aims to increase its numbers so that they can be reintroduced to its native habitat on the Socorro Island, off the coast of Mexico, by 2030.
The trio left their eggs at the end of March and were born with two pairs of parents who arrived at the zoo at the end of 2024.
Extinct Socorro Dove Chicks born in the London Zoo
Only approximately 180 doves are left in the world, attended by less than 50 conservation institutions.
Gary Ward, bird curator of the London Zoo, said: “The hatching of three Socorro Dove chicks in the London Zoo is a great step forward in our role to bring this kind of return from the edge of extinction.
“After importing some pigeons of the Portugal Lagos Zoo at the end of last year, as part of the coordinated reproduction program, it is fantastic to see them now a successful pairing with pigeons raised here in the London Zoo.
“It is a sign of hope that a healthy population of Socorro Dove will return to its native home of the island someday.”
Why has the population of Lords of Socorro be fought?
Socorro pigeons were ever found in the dense forests of Socorro Island, but in the early 1970s, their number had decimated by legs due to the loss of habitat caused by deforestation and the introduction of non -native predators.
The largest national parks in the United Kingdom
The wild sheep, introduced at the end of the 19th century, had stripped the island of vegetation, destroying vital nesting sites.
Today, only 181 individuals remain in human care worldwide.
“Each successful hatch is a big step forward for the Socorro Dove project,” Gary said.
He added: “The Socorro Palomas have been extinguished in nature since 1972, surviving only thanks to the carefully managed reproduction programs in Europe and North America.
“It is from thesis programs that we hope to see that the species returns to its native island in the non -distant future.”
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Adrian Walls, leader of the tropical bird team in the London Zoo, said: “Chicks are doing well and grows very fast.
“We are attentive to the nest and saw some promising behaviors of the new family, with both parents feeding and applying their young key indicators of a strong link.
“As the continuous chicks develop, their dusty brown feathers will gradually change to the rich tones of cinnamon of the doves of the adult relief, complete with incredible pink feathers and iridescent blue in the neck of their necks.
“It is very exciting to have a thesis three very special eggs, from an extinct species in the fall, hatch here in the zoo and just in time for Easter.
“We are eager to see the chicks grow in force in force this spring.”
