Chemnitz Zoo: Offspring of rare pheasant species
The Vietnam pheasants at Chemnitz Zoo have had some offspring. A total of three chicks hatched at the beginning of June. They are being cared for by both parents. They often hide under their mother for protection. However, they have also been observed sleeping "on the roost" at night, which is common for chicken birds. The species has been kept at the zoo since 2013 and has regularly produced offspring since 2015.
As is typical of most pheasant species, there is a clear gender difference between males and females. While the hen is predominantly plain brown in colour, the cock stands out with its bright blue plumage. The young initially wear their mother's plain plumage as camouflage, but change colour to match their sex at around one year of age.
There are some rarities to be discovered in the bird population at Chemnitz Zoo - species that are rarely shown in zoological institutions or that are only rarely found in the wild. The Vietnam pheasant belongs to the latter category. Endemic to central Vietnam, this species is described as critically endangered. As there has been no reliable data on the population since 2018, but the numbers were already in sharp decline at the time, it is now assumed that the species is extinct in the wild. The main reasons for this are habitat destruction and hunting. It is therefore all the more pleasing that the species has young again this year.
Chemnitz Zoo not only successfully participates in the European Conservation Breeding Programme, but also provides animals that are earmarked for reintroduction projects.
Opening hours in summer
Chemnitz Zoo: 9 am to 7 pm, last admission 6 pm
Game enclosure: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., last admission 5 p.m.