Breeding success after match in dating centre
Chemnitz Zoo: First offspring among the middle beasts - action day to mark the 60th anniversary on 11 August, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For the first time, the Chemnitz Zoo has had its first offspring. On 26 June, a chick hatched, the first for the pair living at the zoo. Middle beos are a subspecies of the starling family. This bird species is known for imitating voices and noises.
The monogamous beos are very demanding when it comes to choosing a suitable partner. Breeding them is difficult, even for experienced breeders and zoological institutions. In order to find a harmonising pair, a larger selection of individuals is required. As part of the "Zoo Animal of the Year" campaign 2020, a kind of dating centre was set up at Marlow Bird Park. There, the birds are given the opportunity to choose their own partner. The couple from Chemnitz found each other in this "beo-dating centre".
It is hoped that the pairs created there, which are then passed on to other zoological institutions, will produce more Beo offspring so that the populations of the subspecies, some of which are threatened with extinction, can recover. With its expertise in the field of bird keeping and breeding, Chemnitz Zoo would also like to contribute to the conservation of the middle beos.
During the breeding season between April and June, individual pairs separate from a usually large flock of birds and move into a tree cavity to breed. There, the female lays two to three eggs, which she incubates for 14 to 16 days. During this time, the male provides it with food. After hatching, both parents look after the offspring. The chicks fledge after around 30 days. The younger birds can be distinguished from the older ones by their less intense colouring, especially the yellow skin flaps.
Action day for the 60th anniversary on 11 August from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Sunday, 11 August, from 10 am to 6 pm, all animal lovers are invited to an action day to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Chemnitz Zoo. Staff will be offering guided tours, behind-the-scenes insights, face painting for children and insect hotel making. Catering will also be provided.
The zoo festival originally planned for 2 June had to be cancelled due to a severe weather warning. Now Chemnitz Zoo wants to make up for its 60th anniversary - albeit on a somewhat smaller scale.
www.tierpark-chemnitz.de
Opening hours in summer:
Zoo: 9 am to 7 pm, last admission 6 pm
Game enclosure: 9 am to 6 pm, last admission 5 pm