As a permanent and temporary home to many endangered species, the London Zoo is a unique centre of conservation in the heart of the capital, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. This couldn’t be more evident with the introduction of their newest residents—these charming Socorro doves.
These new arrivals mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reintroduce the species to its native habitatcontinuing London Zoo’s legacy as a cornerstone of global wildlife conservation.
The Socorro dove (Zenaida grayson) was once a common sight on the Socorro Island off Mexico’s west coast, last observed in the wild in 1972. The species’ decline has been connected to factors such as predation by feral and home-owned cats, as well as habitat degradation.
Today, the global population of Socorro doves exists solely in captivity, with an estimated 200 doves worldwide. London Zoo already has a history of supporting the conservation of the bird; the zoo successfully bred a Socorro dove in 2007, making a positive step towards the species recovery.
Their most recent additions are three new Socorro doves from Portugal’s Lagos Zoo, joining six other doves at the wildlife institution. The move included two additional Socorro doves, who will soon be bound for Chester Zoo, where they will join its breeding programme for the highly threatened species.
The ultimate goal is to reintroduce the birds to their native island by 2030. However, this endeavour requires extensive habitat restoration and the control of invasive species.
Gary Ward, London Zoo’s Curator of Birds, said, “Welcoming three new Socorro doves to London Zoo is an exciting step in our mission to bring this species back from the brink of extinction.”
“Following their trip from Portugal, the birds all spent a short time in quarantine, now that’s complete, they have been introduced to their future mates. We’re hopeful that these new pairings will help boost the global population of this Extinct-in-the-Wild species.”
Visitors to the London Zoo can now observe these rare doves and learn about the collaborative, international efforts aimed at their reintroduction.
The Socorro doves are located in the Blackburn Pavilion, the zoo’s historic tropical birdhousewhich is also home to the endangered Sumatran laughingthrush, critically endangered Bali starling and the blue-crowned laughingthrush.
For more information on London Zoo, or to book your tickets, click here or the link below.
