We are thrilled to announced that a pair of endangered Meller's ducklings hatched at the zoo on Tuesday 6th July. They have already been swimming in their pond, and we're now concentrating on making sure the enclosure is completely duckling proof, with every tiny gap covered!
Meller’s ducks are an endangered Madagascan variety, and last year a pair were loaned to the zoo by the Madagascan Government via Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. The ducklings are the first Meller’s ducks to be born on the Isle of Wight, and in fact less than twenty births were recorded in zoos worldwide over the last year. Native to Madagascar, they are an endangered species that were overlooked for many years due to their seemingly drab appearance. At first glance they might look like the common mallard female, but on close inspection their beaks are longer, their behaviour is different and the males do not have the bright colours of the common mallard.
Once it was realised that these birds were actually a distinct species it became clear that they were in
serious danger, and a European Breeding Programme has now been set up. Although still found in very few zoos, staff at the Isle of Wight Zoo hope that they will be able to help conserve the Meller’s duck for the future. In the meantime, they are celebrating the waddle of tiny feet!