Rare birds stop zoo development

Kingfishers usually choose quiet spots to nest

A pair of protected birds have stopped development work at one of the UK's biggest zoos.

Two kingfishers, a protected species, have made a home at Chester Zoo for their breeding season.

Work on a new path at the 110-acre site has been stopped until the birds have moved on.

Sarah Bird, biodiversity officer, said: "We are thrilled that these colourful and charismatic wild birds have chosen to make their home here in the zoo."

The exact location of the nest has not been revealed to protect the birds.

Kingfishers are usually very shy birds, but clearly ours are quite bold to have chosen such a popular place to have a family Sarah Bird Chester Zoo

Ms Bird said: "Chester Zoo is a conservation charity.

"As well as our work with exotic species, we work hard to promote the conservation of our local wild species in and outside the zoo perimeter.

"As such, it is extremely rewarding to have kingfishers breeding in the zoo."

Kingfishers are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it an offence to take, injure or kill a kingfisher or to disturb the nest, eggs or young.

"We have taken action to see that they are able to breed without being disturbed and, given the legal protection afforded to these magnificent birds, we won't be revealing their exact location in the zoo," Ms Bird said.

"Kingfishers are usually very shy birds, but clearly ours are quite bold to have chosen such a popular place to have a family."

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