Rare ducklings hatch at UK zoo

A group of rare ducklings have hatched at Chester Zoo.

The Maccoa duck is one of Africa's rarest and most endangered duck species.

It's the first time the species has ever been successfully bred at the zoo.

Experts say only around 5,000 of the ducks remain in the wild, with the latest surveys finding just 14 individuals in Kenya and fewer than 100 in Tanzania - prompting concern over the future of the species.

Bird conservationists say they hope the successful hatching will lead to more protection for the birds.

Maccoa ducks are diving ducks often found in nutrient-rich wetland habitats, like freshwater wetlands and lakes.

They are known for their stiff tails and deep-blue bills.

The species is listed as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Habitat degradation, water pollution and climate change have been blamed for the species decline.

There are just twelve zoos in the world that look after Maccoa ducks.

Andrew Owen, Head of Birds at Chester Zoo, said:

"This success gives a real boost to the future of the species... These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count."