Two new African crowned crane hatchlings have been born in Loro Parque. This is a species in danger of extinction in the wild, so their reproduction in this biodiversity conservation center contributes to their survival. This is the first time that the zoo has succeeded in having a pair of these birds give birth. This success has been achieved thanks to the experts at Loro Parque, who have extensive knowledge about the reproduction of these animals.
“This year we have prepared the pair to stimulate them in reproduction. Reinforcing their feeding and preparing a space in our palm grove for them to try successfully,” explains Rafael Zamora, director of Loro Parque Fundación.
Incubation in this species lasts about a month, and the chicks will have to spend several months with their parents to learn how to feed and their entire repertoire of natural behaviors. The parents are very territorial when it comes to defending their young, so caution should be exercised and not to get too close to their breeding area.
Adult crane with her young
In Africa, where they originate, their populations have declined dramatically in recent years. Field biologists estimate that their populations have declined by more than 50% in the last two decades, which means that by the year 2030 the expectation for this species is a decline of around 70%.
The species is currently listed as endangered in the wild. The declines are mainly attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal capture of specimens and their eggs from the wild and the international illegal trade market.
Loro Parque, as an Animal Embassy, saw the need to reproduce the species to assist in the establishment of its management under human care, thus contributing specimens to the safety net for their peers in the wild.
