ABILENE, Texas — A significant event in conservation efforts for the endangered secretary bird species was marked Saturday, April 6, with the birth of a rare secretary chick at the Abilene Zoo.
The chick is the second offspring hatched by Pam and Jagger, following the birth of Stan last year.
“Our pair is very bonded. They are part of a breeding loan program with the Denver Zoo, which means we collaborate to breed and maintain a genetically diverse population of endangered species. In this arrangement, both zoos contribute to the breeding efforts, and the offspring produced are shared between the institutions,” Abilene Zoo Registrar, Matthew Strong, said.
Secretary birds are a rare sight in zoos with Abilene's being one of only 12 North American facilities housing this bird of prey species. Of those, Abilene’s pair of secretary bird births account for a remarkable 40% of all births within the past year, highlighting the breeding program's success.
Known for their striking appearance and unique behavior, secretary birds are native to southern and central Africa, inhabiting tall grasslands. They are known for their role as snake-eating raptors, utilizing their long legs to stomp and consume their prey.
“There are very few institutions that have these birds, and even fewer institutions that breed them. Over the last 12 months, only San Diego, San Antonio, and Abilene have bred 5 chicks total,” Abilene Zoo Animal Care Supervisor, Phillip Nigro, said . “Being a part of that means that we help secure the population of secretary birds for future generations.”
The gender of the newly-hatched chick is unknown, so it remains unnamed. It is currently spending time in its nest on exhibit and will soon be old enough to explore its habitat. At two weeks old, the chick represents hope for continued conservation efforts aimed at preserving this magnificent species.
For more information, visit the Abilene Zoo's website.
