PATTAYA, Thailand – Khao Kheow Open Zoo Chonburi has achieved a major conservation breakthrough after successfully breeding and hatching a rare “Nok Takram” bird (Greater Adjutant or Leptoptilos dubius) for the first time in its history, following more than two decades of research and care. The achievement has generated excitement among wildlife conservationists because the species has not been recorded in the wild in Thailand for over 40 years and is considered extremely rare within the country. Zoo director Narongwit Chotchoy said the successful hatching marks a significant milestone for Thailand’s wildlife conservation efforts. The zoo spent more than 20 years studying the birds’ breeding behavior, environmental needs, and care requirements before finally succeeding in incubating and hatching a chick from an artificial incubator.
According to the zoo, the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand currently has only one breeding pair of the species, both under the care of Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The bird now survives only in a limited number of zoos and breeding centers. Officials credited the success to close cooperation among veterinary teams and animal care staff, who continuously monitored the birds’ behavior, diet, and habitat conditions to encourage successful reproduction. The newly hatched chick is now viewed as an important hope for the future conservation and population recovery of the species in Thailand.
Narongwit said the breakthrough not only demonstrates the zoo’s growing capabilities in endangered wildlife conservation, but also provides valuable knowledge for future research and breeding programs aimed at protecting rare and threatened species across the country.
The public will be able to follow updates on the chick’s development through the zoo’s official communication channels as part of efforts to raise awareness about wildlife conservation in Thailand.
