San Antonio Zoo celebrates hatching of 2 rare Congo peafowl chicks

“These Congo peafowl chicks represent an important step forward for a species that is rarely seen and found only in one part of the world,” said Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoo, in the news release. “Our team’s dedication to their care and the success of our breeding program reflects San Antonio Zoo’s ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and ensuring these remarkable birds have a future.”

The background

One of the world’s rarest birds, Congo peafowl are smaller than the well-known peacock, weigh approximately 3 pounds, and are about the size of a chicken, the news release states. Males exhibit a rich violet-blue coloration, while females' coloration is more of a brownish-green. According to the news release, the peafowl are native to lowland rainforests and primarily eat fruit and insects.

Currently listed as "near threatened" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Congo peafowl wild population is declining due to habitat loss from agriculture, mining, logging and hunting.

For further information, visit www.sazoo.org.