Piping Plover Chick Hatches at Lincoln Park Zoo, Reintroduced to Monty and Rose at Montrose Beach

Chicago (July 10, 2021) — Lincoln Park Zoo and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are thrilled to announce the successful hatching of an endangered Great Lakes piping plover chick! The chick has been re-introduced to its ‘famous’ parents, Monty and Rose at Montrose Beach.
As an endangered species, Great Lakes piping plovers Monty and Rose have received attention over the last few years for their nesting site on the northside of Chicago. Four eggs were spotted, via remote camera, in the piping plover pair’s nest mid-June. By July 8, three of the chicks successfully hatched under the watchful eye of Monty and Rose.

On July 9, the adult pair turned their full attention to raising the three chicks and halted incubation of the remaining egg. The decision was made to remove the egg and bring it to Lincoln Park Zoo to determine viability.

After spending a day closely monitored at the zoo in a hatcher, the chick hatched July 10 and appeared strong, healthy, and vocal. After evaluation, it was determined the chick would be reintroduced to Monty, Rose, and the other three chicks at Montrose Beach. Upon release, female Rose immediately began brooding and caring for the chick.

“We are honored to play a part in the recovery and conservation efforts of these incredible plovers,” said Hope B. McCormick Curator of Birds and Wildlife Policy Sunny Nelson. “We are cautiously optimistic but remain hopeful the chick will thrive alongside its parents.”

This win is celebrated by all of the participating partners including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Chicago Park District, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Ornithological Society, Illinois Ornithological Society, Chicago Audubon Society, and all of the many dedicated volunteers monitoring the birds around-the-clock.

To learn more about Lincoln Park Zoo, visit lpzoo.org.

About Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

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