Newly hatched Socorro dove chicks bring hope to species extinct in the wild | AI News Digest
Eight Socorro dove chicks have hatched at Chester Zoo, marking a hopeful milestone for a species that went extinct in the wild in the 1970s. The Socorro dove population, which now consists of around 200 birds in captivity, is a result of conservation efforts stemming from just 17 birds collected in 1925. Unique parenting behaviors among male doves and improvements in their natural habitat on Socorro Island offer optimism for potential reintroduction efforts. Despite challenges such as feral cats, the successful hatching of these chicks is seen as a critical step towards strengthening the population and possibly returning the species to the wild. Experts emphasize the importance of zoos in preserving such endangered species and fostering their recovery.
