Endangered ‘snake-kicking’ secretarybirds bred successfully at U.K. zoo

Five secretarybird chicks have hatched at Chester Zoo in a “major breakthrough,” according to the zoo. It is the first time the species has been bred at the zoo in its 95-year history.

The highly endangered species possesses a unique hunting tactic: kicking and stomping its prey, which includes venomous snakes.

Experts are hopeful that the techniques developed in the breakthrough at Chester could further breeding success across Europe and support long-term survival of the species.

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