Devon Zoo Successfully Rears Rare Pink Pigeon

Personnel at a zoo in Devon have successfully hand-reared a rare pink pigeon. Paignton Zoo reported that its avian team provided care for a pink pigeon, a species native to Mauritius, which the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies as endangered. The wildlife organization Birdlife indicates that the worldwide population of pink pigeons stood at a mere nine individuals in 1991. The zoo stated that a method developed by bird-keeper Tom Tooley, which involves connecting a catheter to a syringe for gentle placement on a baby bird’s tongue during feeding, enabled them to rear this species for the first time. While Mr. Tooley’s technique has been disseminated globally, the recent successful rearing of the pink pigeon marked its inaugural application at this specific zoo. Stephen Kings, Chief Executive Officer of Wild Planet Trust, the organization operating Paignton Zoo, commented that the successful rearing of the pink pigeon signified a “fantastic year” for the facility’s avian breeding initiatives. Mr. Kings remarked: “Tom’s skilled approach to hand-rearing this squab, along with the collaborative efforts of our dedicated bird team, is yet another testament to our zoo-based expertise in wildlife conservation.” Additional breeding achievements at the zoo during 2024 encompass the flamingo program, which yielded several healthy chicks, including one nurtured by a same-sex pair. Furthermore, in April, the zoo commemorated the successful fledging of a Socorro dove, a species no longer found in its natural habitat.