Warsaw Zoo has temporarily closed its aviary to protect the rarest chick of the year, a Malayan Pheasant (Polyplectron malacense), the only successful hatching of this species globally in 2023.
Temporary Closure for Rare Chick Protection
The Warsaw Zoo has temporarily shut down the free-flight hall in the Aviary due to the hatching of a Malayan Pheasant chick (Polyplectron malacense), an extremely rare species in captivity. According to the zoo, this is the sole chick of its kind hatched this year in zoological gardens worldwide.
Social Media Announcement and Parental Care Period
A post about the closure appeared on the zoo’s social media platforms on Friday, August 15. The zoo emphasized that the mother and chick require rest and privacy in the first days after hatching, prompting the temporary exclusion of visitors from the area.
Visitor Access During Closure
During this period, visitors can observe the aviary’s inhabitants through a large window in the Aviary. The space will reopen soon, though the exact date has not yet been announced.
About the Malayan Pheasant
The Malayan Pheasant, a member of the pheasant family, is native exclusively to the Malay Peninsula. Estimates suggest fewer than 10,000 individuals remain, and the species is classified as threatened. It is also considered extinct in neighboring Thailand.
Global Conservation Efforts and Other Successful Hatches
As noted by the zoo, Malayan Pheasants are a rare species in captivity, with breeding only occurring in three EAZA-associated zoos besides Warsaw. This season, the Aviary also reported successful hatches of four Congo Pheasants, thirteen doves, European quails, and two black-headed araras.
Source: MiejskiReporter, https://www.national-geographic.pl/przyroda/warszawskie-zoo-jedyne-na-swiecie-dla-tego-pisklecia-zamknieto-cala-ptaszarnie/](https://www.national-geographic.pl/przyroda/warszawskie-zoo-jedyne-na-swiecie-dla-tego-pisklecia-zamknieto-cala-ptaszarnie/)