Zoo hopes critically endangered birds will breed

Jersey Zoo is filled with hope as it looks forward to the possibility of breeding a critically endangered species of duck known as the white-winged duck. This unique bird, which has a striking orange beak, a white head, and a dark body, is native to south-east Asia. The zoo has been home to two of these ducks since the 1970s, and the staff are eager to see them breed this year to help increase their population. The white-winged duck is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, which maintains a list of species that are at risk of extinction. Craig Hilton-Taylor, who leads the IUCN Red List unit, has pointed out that the population of these ducks is declining due to various factors, including pollution and the loss of their natural habitats. According to estimates, there are only between 150 and 450 white-winged ducks remaining in the wild, making them one of the rarest duck species on the planet. The staff at Jersey Zoo have expressed their concern about the threats these ducks face, such as habitat destruction, hunting, and disturbances in their environment. They believe that these factors have led to a significant decrease in their numbers. Jersey Zoo has been a crucial player in the effort to support the captive breeding program for these ducks, successfully breeding many over the years. The zoo's commitment to conservation and the protection of endangered species is evident in their work with the white-winged duck. They are hopeful that their efforts will contribute to the survival of this remarkable bird and help ensure that it does not vanish from our planet.