Bioparc Fuengirola has received a pair of Socorro doves, a bird classified as extinct in the wild. Their survival depends exclusively on zoos.
A pair of Socorro doves has arrived at Bioparc Fuengirola. This bird, native to the Mexican island of Socorro, has not been seen in the wild since the 1970s. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as Extinct in the Wild (EW), a category shared by very few species in the world.
The incorporation of these specimens is part of an international breeding programme. The aim is to maintain the genetic diversity of the species and, in the long term, to reintroduce it into its natural habitat when conditions allow. According to park sources, the Socorro dove disappeared due to the introduction of domestic cats on the island and the transformation of its ecosystem.
A refuge for species on the brink of extinction
Bioparc Fuengirola participates in over forty international conservation programmes. The arrival of this pair reinforces its commitment to preserving biodiversity. The Málaga park collaborates with institutions worldwide to ensure the future of animals whose survival depends on human efforts.
The Socorro dove, despite its unassuming appearance, has become a symbol of hope for modern conservation. Its story demonstrates how human action can push a species to the brink of extinction, but also how international cooperation can prevent its definitive disappearance.
What does it mean for visitors?
Visitors to Bioparc Fuengirola will be able to observe this unique bird in the park's facilities. The pair has been integrated into the area dedicated to threatened species, where it will coexist with other birds and animals. For the local public, it is a unique opportunity to closely encounter a species that no longer exists in the wild.
The park reminds us that the work of zoos goes beyond exhibition. Preserving species that have disappeared from nature is one of their essential functions. In the case of the Socorro dove, each individual born in captivity brings us a little closer to the possibility of its return to the Mexican island.
Bioparc Fuengirola encourages residents of the Costa del Sol to visit these facilities and learn firsthand about conservation efforts. Admission directly contributes to breeding and protection programmes for threatened species. Additionally, the park offers educational activities for all ages.
The arrival of the Socorro dove coincides with a growing environmental awareness. More and more people are interested in the role of zoos in protecting biodiversity. And although this bird may not be as striking as a lynx or a gorilla, its story is equally important. Perhaps, with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, one day we will see it fly free again.
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