Chester Zoo, United Kingdom
#00271
PartialCity
Implements
#00358 Coordinate conservation breeding, genetic management and biobanking
Implementer
Chester Zoo within the international Socorro dove breeding program
Location
Chester Zoo, United Kingdom53.2263, -2.8853
Description
Chester Zoo maintains and breeds Socorro doves as part of an international coordinated program after the species became extinct in the wild. Eight chicks hatched at the zoo in 2025, adding genetically managed birds to the insurance population. Replication requires participation in the international Socorro dove breeding program, genetic management coordination across institutions, and a long-term commitment to habitat restoration and threat control on Socorro Island as prerequisites for eventual release.
Metrics
1Socorro dove chicks hatched at Chester Zoo in 20258individuals
Lessons learned
- Coordinated breeding across institutions, with shared pedigree and genetic management, can prevent total extinction when wild threats cannot yet be controlled.
- Each participating institution contributes to a shared genetic and demographic population rather than managing an isolated collection — institutional roles must be formally coordinated.
- Ex situ population growth is an intermediate outcome that does not substitute for habitat restoration and threat control required before any reintroduction.
Sources
2