The zoo in Berlin, known for many exotic species, is also dedicated to the protection of native field hamsters. With a new breeding and research station for the European field hamster, the aim was to support the rescue of the endangered rodents, the park announced in Berlin on Wednesday.
He also announced the first offspring – a few months after the start of the project. Photos show the little ones from mother Helga at the age of a good three weeks. According to the zoo, a release as part of a scientifically supported project is planned for next spring in the Göttingen area. Farmers are involved to provide suitable land.
“Charismatic mammals are not only threatened in the rainforests of South America or the savannas of Africa. In our latitudes, too, we are pushing species to the brink of extinction,” said zoo and animal park director Andreas Knieriem, according to the announcement.
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In some federal states, the field hamster is already extinct, it is estimated that there are only 10,000 to 50,000 specimens left in this country. Intensive agriculture is their greatest threat.
