BABY BULLETIN: Fluffy New Additions to DZCA

New Chicks on the Block

For the first time at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA), five scaly-sided merganser chicks have hatched—an adorable win for their Endangered species! The proud parents are Jericho Chris, an almost four-year-old female, and Andrew Demetrius, a three-year-old male. Both adults live in our Primate Panorama Forest Aviary, where guests can visit and learn more about this rare duck species.

Scaly-sided Mergansers are known for their diving ability, which allows them to plunge underwater to catch food like small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. Native to the forests and wetlands of China, Korea, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, and Taiwan, these ducks are facing growing threats due to habitat loss, pollution, and illegal hunting.

They are currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with only 2,400–4,500 individuals remaining in the wild.

A Strong Start Behind the Scenes

The chicks were incubated and hatched in our Avian Propagation Center (APC), where our dedicated Animal Care team is now supporting their early development. Even at just a few days old, the chicks are already swimming and diving for food on their own, which is an incredible display of natural behavior and a positive sign for their growth.

To ensure these chicks get the best start, our team is feeding, monitoring, and even teaching swimming lessons to prepare them for life alongside their parents. Once they’re strong, confident divers, they’ll join mom and dad in the Primate Panorama Forest Aviary.

Inside the Avian Propagation Center

Did you know DZCA is home to one of the largest Avian Propagation Centers in the country? Located behind the scenes, this 14,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility houses and breeds many endangered and critically endangered birds in an effort to steward species conservation. From hand-rearing chicks to supporting breeding and incubation, the APC plays a crucial role in helping sensitive bird species thrive.

Each new chick represents a hopeful milestone for the species and a testament to what’s possible when conservation, science, and care come together.

A Hopeful Future for a Rare Species

These hatchings are part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSPs are collaborative programs among accredited zoos to breed and manage threatened species and ensure genetically healthy and diverse populations. We’re proud to support this important work through our continued participation in SSPs.