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For Immediate Release
Contact: Kelly Lessard (952) 431-9217
First chick of its species hatched in over 5 years; Grandparents have been at the Zoo nearly 30 years
Apple Valley, MINN–There's a colorful new addition to the Tropics Trail at the Minnesota Zoo. A Victoria crowned pigeon chick, which hatched at the beginning of September, has left its nest and is staying close to mom and dad while exploring the Aviary. It’s the Zoo’s first Victoria crowned pigeon chick to hatch in over five years.
Known for their distinctive crown feathers and beautiful blue coloring, Victoria crowned pigeons remain a family unit until the offspring reach approximately nine months of age. The Minnesota Zoo’s newest chick, whose sex is still unknown, is the 13th pigeon hatched at the Zoo. In fact, its grandparents, who are over 30 years old, were two of original animals at the Zoo when it opened in 1978! They are one of the most successful breeding pairs of Victoria crowned pigeons in any North American zoo.
Victoria crowned pigeons are found in New Guinea and one or two small adjacent islands. They are listed as Vulnerable on the 2000 World Conservation Union (IUCN) Redlist and are protected under The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II status. The major threats to this species in the wild are habitat alteration, hunting for food, and the pet trade in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
Victoria crowned pigeons engage in an unusual courtship display. They circle and bow, making a hooting noise that sounds like someone blowing into a Coke bottle. After copulation, they push chest to chest and flap their wings before walking off together. Both the male and female build the nest, incubate the egg, and feed the chick.
The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call the Zoo’s information line at 952.431.9200 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. Visit aza.org.
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