Paignton Zoo celebrates rare crane's birth

The species is one of the largest birds in the world, with adults growing up to 158cm (62in) tall

An endangered crane chick has been photographed after hatching at Paignton Zoo in Devon.

It is hoped the red crowned crane chick will help to conserve the species which is naturally found in Asia.

Two eggs hatched in early May, but one chick later died. The zoo said it was normal for two eggs to hatch and the strongest chick to survive.

There are believed to be fewer than 3,000 red crowned cranes left in the wild, a zoo spokesman added.

The chick's parents arrived at the zoo 1998 and 1999 and have bred once before.

The crane is listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as endangered.

A zoo spokesperson said it was one of the largest birds in the world, with adults growing up to 158cm (62in) tall.