Three dove chicks, previously extinct in their natural habitat, have successfully hatched at London Zoo.

The Wild Socorro chicks hatched in late March and are the young of two pairs of parents that joined the zoo in late 2024 as part of a global breeding initiative.

The zoo’s goal is to increase the population of these doves with the hope of eventually reintroducing them to their home environment on Socorro Island, located off the coast of Mexico.

Gary Ward, the bird curator at London Zoo, remarked that this represents a “significant advancement in our mission to revive this species from the edge of extinction.”

Currently, there are around 180 Socorro doves remaining worldwide, managed by fewer than 50 conservation organizations.

Ward emphasized that each successful hatch is “an important milestone” for the Socorro Dove Project.

“Since their extinction in the wild in 1972, they have persisted only through carefully managed breeding programs throughout Europe and North America.”

Adrian Walls, the tropical birds team leader at London Zoo, noted that the chicks are growing rapidly.

He mentioned that as they mature, “their dull brown feathers will slowly evolve into the vibrant cinnamon hues characteristic of adult Socorro doves, featuring stunning iridescent pink and blue plumage at the back of their necks.”