In a first, Lahore Safari Zoo hatches 11 baby ostriches through successful incubation

In a major breakthrough for wildlife management in Punjab, the Lahore Safari Zoo successfully hatched the fertilised ostrich eggs in the incubator to produce 11 healthy chicks.

The initiative, described by wildlife experts as a significant scientific advancement, marks the first-ever use of modern incubators for ostrich breeding in any zoo across the province.

The baby ostriches, raised under controlled conditions in a designated section of the zoo, have become a source of fascination for visitors.

According to the zoo officials, special care is being taken to ensure the young birds’ survival and healthy development through proper nutrition and controlled environmental conditions.

Although ostriches are categorised under the livestock department in Punjab, the species is housed in all provincial zoos. Historically, ostrich chicks were imported from countries such as South Africa, while limited private breeding operations existed locally.

Until now, Punjab Wildlife Department’s Veterinary Services Director, Dr Muhammad Rizwan Khan explained that natural breeding in open enclosures showed limited success. “In the wild, the female hatches the eggs during the day while the male does it at night, but artificial incubation allows us to scientifically control the entire process round-the-clock,” he noted.

He further explained that regular bird incubators are unsuitable for ostrich eggs because of their hard shells and low humidity requirements—typically between 20 and 25 per cent.

“Excessive humidity can cause fluid accumulation inside the developing chick, leading to mortality,” Dr Rizwan added. The Safari Zoo’s new system maintains a specific temperature and humidity balance tailored for ostrich eggs.

Zoo’s Veterinary Officer Dr Amna Fayyaz said the ostrich breeding season in Pakistan prevails from March to August, when temperatures are moderate and daylight is longer. During this period, male ostriches’ beaks and legs turn reddish, indicating reproductive readiness. Females produces an egg every two to three days, producing up to 40 to 60 eggs per season. The incubation period lasts between 42 and 46 days.

According to Dr Amna, the Safari Zoo currently houses 19 adult ostriches — 12 females and 7 males — along with 11 newly hatched chicks. The baby ostriches are kept under close supervision, provided with balanced feed, vitamin supplements, and rubber flooring to prevent leg weakness and slipping.

Experts believe that ostrich breeding is relatively eco-friendly, as the bird thrives in harsh climates, consumes little water, and offers economic value in the form of meat, leather, and feathers.

They suggest, if Lahore Safari Zoo continues with this project sustainably, Pakistan could soon become self-sufficient in ostrich production and potentially emerge as a regional model for ostrich breeding in South Asia.