Kingfishers at Chester Zoo
31 July 2008
A pair of threatened birds has brought development work at Chester Zoo to a halt.
Rare and shy Kingfishers have made a home at Chester Zoo for their breeding season. However, the appearance of the birds has led to some development work on a new path at the 110-acre zoo being suspended until the birds' breeding season is over.
In order to protect them from any further disturbance the exact location of the birds' nest won't be revealed by the zoo.
Sarah Bird, the zoo’s Biodiversity Officer, said: "Chester Zoo is a conservation charity. As well as our work with exotic species, we work hard to promote the conservation of our local wild species in and outside the zoo perimeter. As such, it is extremely rewarding to have Kingfishers breeding in the Zoo."
Kingfishers are protected under the Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it an offence to take, injure or kill a Kingfisher or to disturb the nest, eggs or young. It is also an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb the birds close to their nest during the breeding season.
Kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) face threats in the wild including habitat loss especially through pollution and mismanagement of rivers.
Disturbance by people also poses serious problems for the birds as it can disrupt the feeding routines for young chicks.
"We are thrilled that these colourful and charismatic wild birds have chosen to make their home here in the zoo."
"We have taken action to see that they are able to breed without being disturbed and, given the legal protection afforded to these magnificent birds, we won't be revealing their exact location in the zoo."
"Kingfishers are usually very shy birds, but clearly ours are quite bold to have chosen such a popular place to have a family," added Sarah.
Kingfishers normally lay six to seven eggs, hatching in about 20 days. The young will leave the nest at about four weeks of age although, given that Kingfishers can attempt three broods in a year, it is likely that nearby development work at the zoo will be on hold until late summer.