Chester Zoo: Four rare Maccoa ducklings hatch in 'historic moment'
Four endangered Maccoa ducklings have hatched at Chester Zoo, it has been revealed.
This 'historic moment' marks the zoo's first successful breeding of the rare African birds and is part of ongoing efforts to protect threatened species on the continent.
The Maccoa ducks are one of Africa's rarest species, with only about 5,000 left in the wild.
They are found in fragmented areas across Central and East Africa.
Their population has 'dramatically declined', with only 14 individuals remaining in Kenya and fewer than 100 in Tanzania, raising concerns about their future survival.
The newly hatched ducklings are the first to emerge in the zoo’s new Heart of Africa zone, a 22.5-acre area dedicated to African species that are vanishing in the wild.
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, recognised for their stiff tails and deep-blue bills, typically found in nutrient-rich wetland habitats.
Their rapid decline is primarily due to habitat degradation, water pollution, and climate change.
Consequently, the species is categorised as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, underlining the necessity for urgent conservation efforts.
Chester Zoo is one of only 12 institutions worldwide working with this highly threatened species and intends to play a crucial role in their survival.
The zoo hopes that the successful hatching of these ducklings will aid in the long-term protection of the rare ducks.
