Latest news with #MaccoaDucks
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Quacking News: Rare African Diving Ducklings Born At Chester Zoo
Four Maccoa ducklings, one of Africa's rarest duck species, have hatched at Chester Zoo for the very first time. The ducklings mark the zoo's first ever successful breeding of the endangered African birds and comes as part of the zoo's growing efforts to help safeguard the continent's most threatened species. Experts say only around 5,000 of the ducks remain in the wild, with the birds found in increasingly fragmented pockets across Central and East Africa. Once widespread across the continent, latest surveys found just 14 individuals in Kenya and fewer than 100 in Tanzania - prompting concern over the future survival of the species. The newly hatched ducklings are the first to emerge within the zoo's huge new Heart of Africa zone - a 22.5-acre habitat dedicated to supporting the conservation of African species that are disappearing in the wild. Bird conservationists at the zoo say it hopes the successful hatchlings will contribute towards the long-term protection of the rare ducks. Andrew Owen, Head of Birds at Chester Zoo, said: "As one of just seven zoos in Europe, and 12 zoos globally, that care for Maccoa ducks, these ducklings are very special as they're the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo - making it a really historic moment for our team. "This success gives a real boost to the future of the species and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count. To see them now out on the water inside our new Heart of Africa habitat, which is dedicated to helping Africa's most threatened species thrive, makes this milestone even more special." Maccoa ducks are diving ducks, known for their stiff tails and deep-blue bills and are often found in nutrient-rich wetland habitats. Their rapid decline is linked to habitat degradation, water pollution and climate change.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Chester Zoo welcomes new rare species for first time
Chester Zoo is celebrating the safe arrival of four babies from an endangered species. Four Maccoa ducklings, one of Africa's rarest duck species, have hatched for the very first ducklings mark the zoo's first successful breeding of the endangered African birds and comes as part its growing efforts to help safeguard the continent's most threatened say only around 5,000 of the ducks remain in the wild, with the birds found in increasingly fragmented pockets across Central and East Africa. Once widespread across the continent, latest surveys found just 14 individuals in Kenya and fewer than 100 in Tanzania - prompting concern over the future survival of the newly hatched ducklings are the first to emerge within the zoo's huge new Heart of Africa zone - a 22.5-acre habitat dedicated to supporting the conservation of African species that are disappearing in the wild. Bird conservationists at the zoo say they hope the successful hatchlings will contribute towards the long-term protection of the rare ducks. Andrew Owen, Head of Birds at Chester Zoo, said: "As one of just seven zoos in Europe, and 12 zoos globally, that care for Maccoa ducks, these ducklings are very special as they're the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo – making it a really historic moment for our team. 'This success gives a real boost to the future of the species and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. READ MORE: Aldi 99p tin foil trick can keep your house cool in heatwave READ MORE: 18 photos as thousands gather for first day of On the Waterfront "These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count. To see them now out on the water inside our new Heart of Africa habitat, which is dedicated to helping Africa's most threatened species thrive, makes this milestone even more special.' Maccoa ducks are diving ducks, known for their stiff tails and deep-blue bills and are often found in nutrient-rich wetland habitats. Their rapid decline is linked to habitat degradation, water pollution and climate change. As a result, the species is listed as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species – highlighting the need for urgent conservation Zoo is one of just a dozen institutions in the world working with the highly threatened species and hopes to play a vital role in its survival. Scientific name: Oxyura maccoa Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List) Native to: Central and East Africa Habitat: Freshwater wetlands and lakes Population: Estimated 5,000 in the wild Known for: Bright blue bill (in males), stiff tail feathers, diving for food Main threats: Habitat loss, wetland pollution, and climate change The news of the duck's arrival comes just days after Chester Zoo announced the sad passing of two beloved big cats, 18-year-old female lion Kiburi and 18-year-old male cheetah, Singa. Both Kiburi and Singa were cherished by staff and visitors at Chester Zoo.
