13 Dangerously Endangered Species

While the idea of being captive is not pleasant, it is the only way that scientists and researchers can develop an understanding, and better to help them with reproduction.

This is a collection of 13 endanger species, all with babies born in captivity in the past few year. Some of these species are very rare, and near extinction. Therefore, when they have babies, it was more than joy. It was a celebration!

Rare Red Pandas

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On May 26th, 2008, the Edmonton Valley Zoo welcomed two rare red pandas, who were named Tai and Pip. The cubs have double their birth weight, and increase their survival rate.

The twins will be hand raised by Sandy Heiliker, the Valley Zoo Health Technologist, along with Dr. Milton Ness, since the mother was a bit rough in grooming one of the babies. Sandy Heiliker was responsible for the 2007 twins also, and they have grown into healthy pandas.

Vancouver Island Marmot

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Canada’s Vancouver Island Marmots are the most endangered animal, and for the first time since 1994 had more than 100, with four facilities participate in the recovery of these animals.

There are only 25 marmots in the wild, and they remain the most threatened species. Marmots were brought into captivity to increase the chance of the pups’ survival rate. If left in the wild, their chances are only at 51%, but the rate jumps up to 92.6% in captivity.

Pygmy Rabbit

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The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, together with the Washington States University scientists launched an emergency program to save the country’s smallest native rabbits.

Three litters have been born at the Oregon Zoo from May 1 to May 5, and other litters are expected in June. These endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits are an-ongoing joint effort to save these near-extinction animals, a native of eastern Washington’s shrub-steppe.