London Wetland Centre has announced the birth of five Laysan Teal ducklings. The critically endangered ducks were born on May 4 2024, and are the offspring of a two-year old female and 11-month-old male who are both part of the centre’s living collection.
The birth marks the first of this species to hatch at London Wetland Centre and an important step towards creating a genetically healthy population for the future.
Luca Montessori, Living Collections Keeper at London Wetland Centre, commented: “Whilst previously, Laysan Teal was found on the main and northwestern islands, by the 1860s, the species was eliminated everywhere except Laysan Island and pushed to the brink of extinction due to hunting by humans, and the introduction of non-native mammals which predate the birds and their eggs.
“Today the population is increasing, with an estimated 500-680 mature ducks living in the wild, but the species is still threatened by natural disasters affecting the fragile ecosystems of the tiny islands where they live as well as low genetic diversity due to being reduced to such low numbers, making careful captive breeding ever more important.”
The ducks will stay with London Wetland Centre, as part of its living collection, where they will be ambassadors for their species.
Due to the inexperience of the mother, the vulnerability of the ducklings and the importance of the species, keepers are looking after the ducklings in a specialist off-show rearing area where they can keep a close eye on them and make sure they get a strong start in life.
Luca added: “Being a first time mum is hard and it isn’t unusual for them to need a bit of a helping hand, but she showed signs that with a bit more practice, she could go on to become a very good mum in the future. She made a great first attempt and we’re all very proud of her.”
