Contact: Kyle Shepherd
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
(O) 502-238-5331 (C) 502-744-5639
The Louisville Zoo is thrilled to announce the successful hatching of two Baer’s pochard ducklings, a critically endangered species. Zoo staff welcomed the arrivals on May 29. Pronunciation guide: “Bears Poach Erd”.
“The arrival of a critically endangered species is rare and meaningful,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “It’s a triumph for conservation and a testament to what’s possible when biology, stewardship, and love for wildlife come together. Every hatchling is not just a new life — it’s a lifeline for an entire species.”
The two ducklings and their parents can be seen in the Steller’s Sea Eagle aviary at Glacier Run.
About Baer’s Pochard Ducks
Named after Estonian naturalist Karl Ernst von Baer, these rare ducks are found in East Asia. In the wild, their diet consists of insects, mollusks, shrimp, fish, algae and plants. Here at the Zoo, their diet will include waterfowl pellets, greens and insects.
Baer’s pochard ducks are diving ducks and live in small lakes, rivers, and streams. Once hatched, both parents care for the young for about three weeks before the adults leave to molt. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species lists them as critically endangered due to hunting and the destruction of Asian wetlands.
Zoo Hours
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 21, 2025, Zoo hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info
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About the Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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