Chicago welcomed two new feathered residents to the McCormick Bird House at Lincoln Park Zoo this year. Two Jambu fruit doves were born to the same parents and hatched at the zoo in May and October, following an 18-day incubation period. Both chicks are doing well and are under close observation by Animal Care and veterinary staff. Their sex has not yet been determined.
These two doves represent the first successful hand-rearing of this species at Lincoln Park Zoo. Hand-rearing involves staff providing food and hydration based on behavioral and physical cues from the chicks almost immediately after hatching. This process underscores the dedication of the zoo's staff.
“While our first hope is to see parents caring for their offspring, that isn’t always the case, and it’s important to have contingency plans in place,” said Hope B. McCormick Curator of Birds Nicole Finch-Mason. “It takes a special team to provide around-the-clock care for chicks like these two Jambu fruit doves, and I’m proud to say that we were able to successfully save their lives through hand-rearing.”
The decision to human-raise a chick is made only if it’s determined that the parents cannot adequately feed, protect, or maintain appropriate temperature for the chicks. Once fledged—as early as 10 days after hatching—the chicks are reintroduced to the flock at the zoo. One chick has already been reintroduced, while the younger remains behind the scenes for continued care.
Both chicks were born as part of the Jambu Fruit Dove Species Survival Plan, a collaborative population management effort among Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions. Such plans help ensure healthy populations of animals in accredited zoos.
Jambu fruit doves inhabit southeast Asia and face threats from deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia. They live in evergreen and mangrove forests, foraging on fruit either from the ground or directly from trees.
The birds are known for their colorful plumage; green markings cover their nape, back, wings, and tail with a bright orange or yellow beak. Males have a crimson face with a white chest and pink patch near their throat, while females have a light purple face with a green chest. These colors make them targets for illegal pet trade.
Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive amid urbanization. Founded in 1868, this historic Chicago landmark is privately managed, member-supported, free, and open every day of the year.