Rare Dove Extinct In The Wild Hatches At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

SAN DIEGO, CA — A critically endangered Socorro dove has hatched at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, marking a milestone in efforts to save a species that is extinct in the wild.

The chick, now just over a month old, is being raised by its parents at the Escondido-based park's Bird Conservation Center and has recently fledged the nest.

Wildlife officials said the hatch marks a significant step forward in preserving the species, which is considered one of the rarest doves in the world and depends entirely on managed care for survival.

Fewer than 180 Socorro doves remain worldwide, all in conservation-breeding programs at zoos across North America and Europe. The species, once native to Socorro Island off the coast of Mexico, was declared extinct in the wild in 1972 due to habitat loss from deforestation.

Visitors can see Socorro doves at the Safari Park's Rainforest Aviary.