Reproductive Characteristics of the Captive Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) in Zlin Zoo, Czech Republic

The limited range of Milky Stork in its natural habitat, as well as in under captivity, makes it difficult to learn more about it. This paper aimed to examine the breeding biology of Milky Stork raised in captivity in the Zlín-Lešná Zoo in the Czech Republic. By analyzing partial reproduction characteristic, we wanted to supplement the knowledge that is needed to ensure the necessary degree of reproduction of the Milky Stork in human care. The monitoring was carried out in the Zlín-Lešná Zoo and the following reproductive indicators were analysed: annual laying rate, size and weight of eggs laid, monitoring of egg weight loss during incubation, hatchability, and hatching weight. During the four years, a total of 23 eggs of the Milky Stork by one parent pair were evaluated. The average proportion of fertilised eggs over the whole period reached 56.5%. The average eggs length was 65.7 mm, the average eggs width was 47.0 mm and the average eggs weight was 79.7 g. Average weight loss of eggs during their incubation was 8.4 g. Average hatchability of all the laid eggs was 56.5%. A total of 13 young Milky Storks were hatched during the observation period. Their average hatching weight was 55.7 g. A total of five individuals were raised during the four years of observation. Knowledge in the field of reproduction is one of the basic prerequisites to give this species a chance to survive in the future, whether in the natural environment or human care.