Endangered African birds successfully bred at UK Zoo

Bristol: Three endangered African grey parrots have hatched at Bristol Zoo Project, marking a conservation breeding success for the species.

The parents were part of a group of rescued birds taken in by the Bristol Zoological Society at the end of 2024 after they could not be returned to the wild. Following an incubation period of around a month, the three chicks successfully hatched and keepers say they are feeding and growing well.

Sheldon Wetton, Curator of Birds at Bristol Zoo Project, said the arrival is especially significant because African greys are so threatened in the wild. “We were proud to have been able to provide a home for these parrots, which were facing an uncertain future following their rescue,” he said.

Native to the rainforests of western and central Africa, African grey parrots play a vital role in ecosystems by dispersing seeds. Their numbers have declined due to illegal hunting, habitat destruction and trafficking for the wildlife pet trade. Over the last 40 years, more than 1.3 million birds have been illegally taken from the wild.

The flock will soon move into the zoo’s newly created African Forest habitat, where they will live alongside other highly threatened species. The zoo hopes the parrots will act as ambassadors for their species and help raise awareness of the threats they face.

African grey parrots are listed as Endangered and are among the smartest birds in the world, known for their intelligence and ability to mimic human speech.