Endangered secretary bird hatches at San Antonio Zoo
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The baby secretary bird. Photo: Courtesy of the 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."
