Zookeepers Check Sex of Super Cute 'Critically Endangered' Plains-Wanderer Chicks
Werribee zookeepers were thrilled to discover they had bred three males and one female Plains-Wanderer chicks, which are listed as critically endangered.
In a video sent to Storyful on December 12, the cute, tiny chicks are weighed and their sex is determined.
They are believed to be three males and one female, named Quagmire, Jane, Ramble and Clinton. Females are typically heavier than male chicks – which is how keepers determine their gender – but they will be rechecked in three weeks by monitoring wing feathers.
The quartet was born to parents Genevieve and Woods on November 4, according to a press release sent to Storyful by the zoo.
Zoos Victoria believes there are fewer than 1000 mature Plains-Wanderers left in the wild and they are listed as critically endangered.
“Breeding four healthy chicks is a huge achievement and one we are all very excited about,” Zoos Victoria’s Threatened Species Keeper Yvette Pauligk said.
“Genetically speaking, they are listed as the most important bird species worldwide in terms of evolutionary distinctiveness and extinction risk. To lose such an ancient, unique species would be completely devastating.”
The zoo said they were happy to have three male chicks, as the responsibility of rearing chicks is the male’s role, ensuring their survival. Credit: Zoos Victoria via Storyful
