Rare secretary bird chick born at Longleat
The species are classed as endangered in the wild
A rare secretary bird chick has safely arrived at Wiltshire's Longleat safari park.
The hatching is being especially celebrated as the species is classed as endangered in the wild, due to lost habitats and hunting.
The chick - born to six year old mum Janine and eight year old dad Kevin - is now two weeks old, and its gender isn't known yet.
Secretary birds are from sub-Saharan Africa and can reach up to 1.3 metres in height with a two metre wingspan.
Their long legs are used to stamp on the heads of snakes and other prey with a force six times their body weight in 15 milliseconds!
The species can live for up to 19 years in captivity, or 12 to 15 years in the wild.
They mate for life - Janine and Kevin have been together since 2018 and this is their second chick.
Leader keeper lakes and birds at Longleat Matt Hardy said:
“It is exciting to have a successful hatch of an endangered species that will hopefully be able to move on to another collection and create a new breeding programme in the future.
“We are providing extra smaller food items for the parents to give to the chick and as secretary birds can be very protective of their nests and chicks, we are ensuring they have as much space and peace and quiet as possible.”