A new Socorro-Dove hatchling is born at Zoomarine, a species native from the Socorro Island in Mexico, currently classified as “Extinct in Wild”.

The new Zenaida graysoni family member under Zoomarine care, was born on February 14th and it’s in excellent health, already fully independent from it’s parents.

This birth represents an important step in Zoomarine’s commitment to the conservation of animal species and their natural habitats. The new baby adds on to three other individuals also born in the park: two from the spring of 2022 (currently at Zoo de Lagos) and one from the autumn of 2022, this last remaining at Zoomarine integrating the international conservation project.

“Each birth of a Socorro-Dove hatchling represents a boost of hope. It’s a signal that the group effort from different institutions it’s giving factual results, and we are accomplishing the mission we set for ourselves. At Zoomarine, we believe that conservation is possible to be done with knowledge, dedication and long-term commitment – and this offspring it’s a reflection of that”, states João Neves, Director of Science and Conservation of Zoomarine.

Considered extinct in the wild according to the red list of threatened species of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) since 1994, Socorro-Dove is an endemic species from the Socorro Island, in Mexico. It was last seen in the wild in 1972. It disappeared from its natural habitat due to the introduction of invasive species – namely cats – and the destruction of it’s habitat. Nowadays it survives exclusively under human care, with just over 194 individuals in the world, distributed across only 48 zoos, making each birth an event of greater importance for global biodiversity.

Zoomarine integrates the European programme of reproduction of the Socorro-DOVE (EEP – European Endangered species programme), coordinated by the Frankfurt Zoo. The distribution of specimens born under this programme is the responsibility of the coordinating body of the EEP, which determinates the most suitable destination according to the conservation and genetic management goals for the species. The mission of this project is to ensure the survival of the species, with the main goal being its eventual reintroduction into the wild, specifically on Socorro Island, in the Mexican archipelago of Revillagigedo. Zoomarine’s role is focused in the maintenance of two breeding pairs, actively contributing to the growth of the population under human care.

Zoomarine is chosen as a partner organization in this programme due to it’s high standard of animal welfare, recognized expertise in breeding threatened species, and the strong educational and environmental vocation.

Together, We Protect!