Endangered secretary bird hatches at San Antonio Zoo

The San Antonio Zoo recently welcomed a new baby secretary bird.

Why it matters: Secretary birds are endangered, and a new baby brings hope for the species' future, zoo officials said in a statement.

Zoom in: The birds are named for the black feathers on their heads that resemble quill pens, which secretaries used. They are native to African grasslands and savannas.

• Secretary birds are known for their ability to consume large snakes like black mambas and cobras, per the zoo.

Threat level: Human activities like urban sprawl and agricultural development threaten the birds' habitats. So does deforestation, poaching and more.

Zoom out: The San Antonio Zoo is one of 12 facilities across the country that cares for secretary birds.

• Of those, only two others have reported new babies this year.

What they're saying: "It serves as a testament to the dedication and expertise of our animal care team," zoo president Tim Morrow said in a statement. "We hope that this successful hatch will raise awareness about the critical conservation work being done to protect these magnificent birds and their natural habitats."