Chester Zoo birth provides "vital lifeline" to critically endangered birds

Chester Zoo is celebrating the arrival of three baby birds, who belong to one of the rarest species in the world.

Fewer than 11 blue-eyed ground doves exist in the world, and were rediscovered in the wild in 2015, following a 70 year disappearance.

Conservationists have been working to ensure its survival, following threats from human-caused fires and the impacts of climate change.

Now, three chicks have hatched at Chester Zoo, which experts said "will contribute to the creation of an insurance population, helping protect the species for generations to come."

Andrew Owen, Head of Birds at Chester Zoo, has been a key part of this project since 2019.

He said: "It’s a real privilege for Chester Zoo to be involved in the work to help conserve the blue-eyed ground dove.

"This unique species is on the brink of extinction and without the dedication and passion of all the conservationists involved, including Chester Zoo’s bird staff, this bird may be lost forever."

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