Prague Zoo first in world to breed Pel’s fishing owl

Prague Zoo has become the first such institution in the world to breed a Pel’s fishing owl. The chick hatched at the beginning of the year and was later thrown out of the nest by the mother, before breeders at the zoo saved it, a spokesperson said. The bird was initially reluctant to feed and saw weight fluctuations. However, it is now thriving.

The Pel’s fishing owl lives near rivers and lakes in Africa and feeds nocturnally on fish and frogs that it snatches from the water.

Author: Ian Willoughby