Calgary Zoo remains committed to Greater Sage-Grouse after difficult start
Posted Dec 16, 2014 12:39 pm.
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The Calgary Zoo says it remains committed to saving one of Canada’s most endangered birds following a rough start to the Greater Sage-Grouse breeding program.
According to a news release from the zoo, the first year was challenging because from 13 hatched birds, of which 11 were healthy past the first two days, only two survived to the age of seven months.
Nine birds were lost because of diet, handling procedures, and predation.
“No zoo has ever bred Greater Sage-Grouse before, we were asked to take on the immediate challenge of housing birds this spring because the status of the Canadian population in the wild is critical,” said Dr. Axel Moehrenschlager, Head of Conservation and Research.
It’s believed approximately 100 to 150 birds are left in the country.
The Greater Sage-Grouse is native to southeastern Alberta and Southwestern Saskatchewan.
