Historic First As Rare Ostrich Chicks Hatch Naturally At World’s Oldest Zoo

Four North African red-necked ostrich chicks have hatched naturally at Schönbrunn Zoo for the first time in the zoo’s more than 270-year history.

The critically endangered ostrich chicks were hatched by their parents in June and are now being raised by them. The event marks an important contribution to the European conservation breeding program for the species.

The chicks were born in a shallow sandy nest created by the male. The male and female took turns incubating the eggs for about 45 days, and both parents now care for the young, with the male taking on a major role in protecting them.

“This is a significant milestone for us. Due to poaching and habitat loss, this subspecies of the African ostrich is threatened with extinction,” said Zoo Director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck.

The North African red-necked ostrich is the largest subspecies of African ostrich and is considered the largest and heaviest living bird in the world. The population is estimated at a maximum of 1,000 animals, with the largest population living in the Republic of Chad in Central Africa.

The young ostriches are growing rapidly, gaining up to three centimeters per day. They currently weigh around eight kilograms and will continue eating grasses, grains, insects, and leaves as they grow.