Socorro Dove

<sup>Socorro Dove (Zenaida graysoni)

Conservation Statue - EW(extinct in the wild)</sup>

The Socorro Dove is a very endangered bird. It was once found on Socorro Island in the Pacific Ocean, the last sighting being in 1972; it is now considered extinct in the wild. They are ground dwelling and show little fear of humans, or, to their demise, the feral cats brought to the island. Sheep have also caused high levels understorey grazing, deminishing the birds habitat.

There are roughly 200 birds remaining in captivity, less than 100 being pure breds as they can hybridise with other dove species.
A reintroduction program is in the early stages. The cats and sheep are being removed from the island and it is hoped that the species can be reintroduced in years to come.

^{Taken at Edinburgh Zoo, (in a little avairy tucked away round the back of the rhinos enclosure)}