Two Jambu Fruit Dove Chicks Born at Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago (November 8, 2024) –Lincoln Park Zoo welcomed two new feathered residents to McCormick Bird House this year. Two Jambu fruit doves were born to the same parents and hatched at the zoo in May and October, following a roughly 18-day incubation period. Both chicks have been doing well and are being closely monitored by expert Animal Care and veterinary staff. Their sex has not yet been determined.

These two doves mark the first time this species has been successfully hand-reared at Lincoln Park Zoo. Hand-rearing requires staff to administer food and hydration based on behavioral and physical cues exhibited by the chicks starting almost immediately after hatching. It is a laborious process that highlights the world-class care provided by dedicated zoo staff.

“While our first hope is to see parents caring for their offspring, that isn’t always the case and it’s important to have contingency plans in place,” said Hope B. McCormick Curator of Birds Nicole Finch-Mason. “It takes a special team to provide around-the-clock care for chicks like these two Jambu fruit doves, and I’m proud to say that we were able to successfully save their lives through hand-rearing.”

The decision to human-raise a chick is made only if it’s been determined that the parents cannot adequately feed, protect, and keep chicks at an appropriate temperature. Once the chicks fledge—as early as 10 days after hatching for Jambu fruit doves—they are reintroduced to the flock at the zoo. One chick has already been reintroduced, while the younger chick remains behind the scenes as it continues to receive care and grow in size and strength.

Both chicks were born as part of the Jambu Fruit Dove Species Survival Plan, a collaborative population management effort among the Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions. SSPs like this one help ensure healthy populations of animals in accredited zoos.

Jambu fruit doves have a native range throughout southeast Asia and are threatened by deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia. They live in evergreen and mangrove forests, where they forage on the ground for fruit or take food directly from trees.

The birds are easily recognizable by their colorful plumage; the green markings on their nape, back, wings, and tail are complimented by a bright orange or yellow beak. Males have a crimson face, white chest, and pink patch near their throat, while females have a light purple face and a green chest. Their beautiful colors unfortunately also make them targets for the illegal pet trade.

Learn more about Lincoln Park Zoo and the world-class animal care it provides at 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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