ZOO KEEPERS LEND A HAND TO FEATHERED FRIEND

Keepers at Blackpool Zoo are really getting to grips with the latest feathery arrival. A baby Demoiselle Crane, which hatched in May, is being hand reared after he was removed from his parents’ nest in the interest of his well-being. Specialist keepers are feeding him on crane pellets, chopped fish, fruit, vegetables and insects, a diet which mirrors that of his traditional diet in his native Asia. Peter Dillingham, Blackpool Zoo’s Head Keeper, said: “Following very close observation of the egg in the parents’ nest we took the decision to remove hand rear the crane to give him the best possible chance of survival. “We have just received confirmation that the chick is male after carrying out a DNA test to determine the sex. This is needed as male and females are monomorphic – meaning they have identical external features. “Now we know the gender of the baby we can assess whether he will stay here in Blackpool or be moved to another collection. “The hand rearing is going exceptionally well and the crane is responding fantastically.” The Demoiselle Crane grows to 85–100 cm long with a 155–180 cm wingspan, slightly smaller than the Common Crane but with similar plumage. It has a loud trumpeting call and a dancing display that is uses during courtship. Blackpool Zoo has one breeding pair of Demoiselle Cranes. -ends- Notes to editors •Blackpool Zoo is owned by Parques Reunidos, the second largest European leisure parks operator and a leading world wide player. •Blackpool Zoo is home to over 1,500 mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates set amidst thirty-two acres of mature woodland and lakes. The zoo’s signature animals include elephants, giraffes, big cats, gorillas, orangutans, sea lions, primates, zebras and kangaroos. •Blackpool Zoo is open every day from 10am. Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP. Tel: 01253 830830.

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