A second Chinese pangolin has been born in the Prague zoo, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts for this critically endangered species. The female pangolin was born on July 1, weighing just 141 grams but showing promising growth, gaining about 10 grams daily. She is expected to reach 250 grams by the end of the week, with adult pangolins reaching up to 6.8 kilograms.
This birth comes less than two years after the first Chinese pangolin, named Cone, was born in captivity in Europe. The successful breeding of these pangolins is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the zoo staff.
The Prague zoo received a male and a female Chinese pangolin from the Taipei zoo in 2022, with the primary goal of ensuring their well-being and health. The unexpected birth of two pangolins within a short period has exceeded all expectations and brought joy to the zoo officials.
The Chinese pangolin is native to southern China and Southeast Asia and is one of the four pangolin species in Asia. These mammals face severe threats due to illegal hunting for their scales and meat, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.
Breeding Chinese pangolins in captivity is challenging due to their specific dietary requirements, which include drone larvae, as well as the need for precise humidity and temperature levels in their enclosure. Prague zoo's success in breeding these pangolins highlights their commitment to species conservation.
Prague zoo is only the second European zoo to house Chinese pangolins, following stringent protocols to ensure the well-being of these endangered animals. The decision to partner with the Taipei zoo for conservation efforts led to the successful breeding of these pangolins, despite political tensions arising from the sister-city agreement between Prague and Taipei.
The cooperation between the Taipei and Prague zoos has been instrumental in the conservation of Chinese pangolins, showcasing the positive impact of international partnerships in wildlife preservation.
