Animal offspring in the Leipzig Zoo: Rare hawk owl hatch!

Animal offspring in the Leipzig Zoo: Rare hawk owl hatch!

The zookeeper Lasse Nieberding made an exciting discovery in the Leipzig Zoo! After eleven years in which the hawk owl lived in a voluminous aviary, there were finally offspring. "We always hoped that something would happen," reports Nieberding. And what can you say? The patience was worth it because the female laid eggs and recently slipped two small chicks. The joy in the zoo is huge, because this is the first time that these rare owls have received offspring since their arrival in Leipzig. [thueningen24.de] (https://www.thueringen24.de/umland/article300505928/zoo-news-MDR-AR-Mediathek-elefant-tiger- und-co-moment-lasse.html) reports that the animal keepers are carefully safe and therefore regularly check whether they do not check the eggs sit.

The hawk owl are not only cute, but also a piece of natural history. This type of owl in Germany was considered extinct over 100 years ago. Today, thanks to cautious resettlement projects, as it describes [Freepresse.de] (https://www.freiepresse.de/nachrichten/sachsen/zoo-leipzig-erstmals- afterwuchs-be-in-deutschland-Extrem-Seltenen-haubicht-artikel13861007), again in the wild. The two young birds, who saw the light of day in the Leipzig Zoo at the beginning of May, are now fledged and can be observed in the Leopard Valley of the Zoo. The way that are similar to the forest owl is larger and heavier and impresses with its characteristic round head and the striking facial veil.

the way back to nature

The Habicht owl had once lost his home in Germany. In 1926 the last representative of this owl species was shot in the Böhmerwald. But since 2007 there has been hope thanks to a resettlement project in the Bavarian Forest National Park. Although the population has grown to around 15 to 20 couples since then, the way back into the original habitats remains a challenge. The Leipzig Zoo is now planning to hand over the young birds in another resettlement project in Austria. However, the exact transmission data are still unclear how the website adds.

The connection of the projects to increase the genetic diversity is particularly interesting. The association, which is committed to the return of the hawk owl, conducts DNA examinations to avoid inbreeding and to ensure the ability to survive the species. The project also provides for the Installation of nesting boxes to support the breeding success. These comprehensive measures not only contribute to the preservation of the hawk owl, but also promote the entire ecosystem by creating habitats for a variety of animals and plants. Nationalgeographic.de emphasizes the importance of these initiatives.

The return of the hawk owl is not only a success for the Leipzig Zoo, but also a positive sign of nature and the effort for your protection. A positive chapter in the history of these majestic owls has started - and with great hope for the future!