Oxfordshire’s Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens celebrated a historic breeding milestone this month when its staff hand‑reared the first greater coucal chicks ever raised by a U.K. zoo. The species, known for its striking black body and white crest, produced a hatchling that quickly earned the nickname “Skunk” because of its skunk‑like coloration.
Hand‑rearing the first greater coucal
When the greater coucal’s parents laid a clutch of eggs, the park’s avian team discovered that the parents needed assistance to ensure the young’s survival. Rather than abandon the brood, keepers moved the newly hatched chick to a dedicated incubation facility where it could receive round‑the‑clock care.
At hatching, the chick weighed a delicate 10.9 grams and required feeding every two hours during daylight. Within a month, the bird’s weight surged to 240 grams, matching the size of an adult coucal. The rapid growth demonstrated the effectiveness of the park’s intensive hand‑rearing protocol.
Sibling chicks join the family
Following the success with the first chick, two additional eggs were laid by the same parents. These hatchlings, named Badger and Bodger, also received hand‑rearing support. After outgrowing their incubator, the trio moved into an off‑show aviary where they continue to be monitored by keepers.
Head keeper Natalie Horner explained, “The chicks hatch with the most amazing feather composition, giving them a rather unique look. Their striking black‑and‑white coloring has certainly inspired their names and they are some of the most memorable‑looking chicks we’ve ever hand‑reared.”
A hat trick of breeding successes
The greater coucal achievement adds to a series of first‑time breeding successes at Cotswold Wildlife Park this season. Earlier, the park welcomed chicks from blacksmith plovers and emerald doves, each milestone celebrated by staff and visitors alike.
Horner added, “We’ve had a great bird‑breeding season this year, including two clutches of Blacksmith Plover chicks—three chicks in each clutch! They have all now fully fledged and moved into their own aviaries off‑show.”
Why the milestone matters
Greater coucals are a prehistoric‑looking species native to parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Their successful hand‑rearing in captivity provides valuable insight into the species’ early development and offers a safety net for future conservation efforts. By mastering the techniques needed to raise these birds outside their natural nest, Cotswold Wildlife Park positions itself as a leader in avian conservation within the U.K.
The park has released never‑before‑seen footage of the chicks’ first appearance, allowing supporters to witness the delicate early stages of these remarkable birds. The visual record also serves as an educational tool, highlighting the importance of hands‑on wildlife stewardship.
Looking ahead
With the greater coucal chicks now thriving, keepers plan to continue monitoring their health and behavior as they mature. The experience gained will inform future breeding programs for other rare or vulnerable bird species housed at the park.
For families and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Oxfordshire, the off‑show aviary offers a unique glimpse of these striking birds in a protected environment, underscoring the park’s commitment to both education and conservation.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
