PRETTY IN PINK! ONCE NEAR-EXTINCT BIRD NOW WOWING ZOO VISITORS 

A rare pink pigeon that was hand-reared as part of a ground-breaking conservation programme is causing quite a flutter among visitors at Paignton Zoo. 

The striking bird, which belongs to a species that was down to just nine individuals in the wild during the 1990s, has become an unexpected star attraction since being introduced to the zoo’s Forest Aviary this month. 

Bird keeper Tom Tooley, who has worked at Paignton Zoo for more than 27 years, commented: 

“Many visitors come expecting to be impressed only by large, exotic animals, but our pink pigeon represents one of zoo conservation’s most remarkable success stories. It’s amazing to think these birds were almost gone forever. This isn’t just about seeing a rare bird – it’s about witnessing a miracle that almost didn’t happen. ” 

Since 2014, Tom has been sharing his innovative hand-rearing techniques with Mauritian conservationists, dramatically improving survival rates for the endangered species. 

His pioneering method ditches traditional crop tubing in favour of a gentler approach using a specially sized catheter attached to a syringe that’s placed on the baby bird’s tongue. This allows the chicks to feed naturally without the stress that can harm delicate squabs. 

Tom explains: 

“What makes our work particularly effective is how we combine individual expertise with collective knowledge. Each keeper brings unique insights, allowing us to achieve remarkable results with endangered birds like the pink pigeon.” 

In a perfectly timed Easter development, the pink pigeon’s parents have laid another egg, marking a poignant full circle for visitors who have followed the featured bird’s journey from egg to adulthood. The new egg is currently being monitored in a specialised incubator at the zoo’s Avian Breeding Centre, where striking candling images reveal the developing embryo inside.

Zoo visitors can catch a glimpse of this next generation through the Centre’s specially designed viewing windows, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at conservation work in action. 

The pink pigeon joins other conservation triumphs at Paignton Zoo, including flamingo chicks from last summer’s “Love Lagoon” programme and the extinct-in-the-wild Socorro dove that successfully fledged last April. The zoo, operated by the Wild Planet Trust charity, has positioned itself as a centre for bird conservation excellence, with particular emphasis on species that might not immediately capture public imagination but play crucial roles in global biodiversity. 

While tigers, gorillas and other headline-grabbing mammals continue to pull in the crowds, Paignton Zoo hopes the pink pigeon’s incredible comeback story will encourage visitors to look beyond the usual zoo favourites. 

The move to showcase these lesser-known conservation successes comes at a time when zoos across the UK are increasingly emphasising their role in preserving biodiversity rather than simply exhibiting exotic animals. 

Wildlife enthusiasts are already flocking to the Devon attraction to catch a glimpse of the rare bird, with the warmer April temperatures creating perfect viewing conditions. With the zoo open daily from 10am and online booking offering exclusive discounts, wildlife lovers are being urged not to miss this living symbol of conservation success. To book tickets, click here.