Little Friends – Khao Khiao Open Zoo Celebrates Success in Hatching Bengalese Finch Chicks!
Khao Khiao Open Zoo in Chachoengsao has successfully hatched bengalese finch chicks for the first time in Thailand, a major breakthrough for a species extinct in the wild domestically for over 40 years. The zoo is now the world's fourth off
Recently, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced with satisfaction that Khao Khiao Open Zoo in Chachoengsao Province has successfully hatched bengalese finch chicks for the first time in Thailand, marking a major achievement in conserving Thailand's endangered wildlife. The species has been extinct in the wild domestically for more than 40 years.
Suchart emphasized that the success reflects the potential and commitment of Thailand's wildlife conservation personnel from the Organization of Thailand's Zoos, Khao Khiao Open Zoo, veterinary teams, and animal care staff, who worked closely together to safely save the first bengalese finch chick.
Khao Khiao Open Zoo Director Narongwit Chatchoy explained that the successful hatching came from bengalese finch eggs from a single breeding pair remaining at the facility. The eggs were incubated in hatching boxes and hand-reared because the species produces only 1-2 eggs annually with a low hatching success rate. Staff implemented a "life-saving operation" to increase the chick's survival chances, ultimately achieving success.
This chick represents the first bengalese finch born from breeding efforts at Khao Khiao Open Zoo under the Organization of Thailand's Zoos, and is the first for member zoos of both the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Southeast Asian Zoo and Aquarium Association. Khao Khiao Open Zoo is now the world's fourth official bengalese finch breeding facility, following Bang Phra Water Bird Station in Thailand, Assam State Zoo in India, and Angkor Biodiversity Conservation Centre in Cambodia.
"This success is another important step for Thailand in conserving endangered wildlife and demonstrates multi-sector cooperation in restoring populations of species nearing extinction," Suchart said. "The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will continue supporting research and breeding programs for rare wildlife to preserve the nation's biodiversity."
