Animal welfare Capercaillie from Bern to strengthen threatened population in Germany
Young capercaillies from Bern have been released into the wild in Germany. The seven birds reared at Bern Zoo are intended to strengthen the endangered capercaillie population in the Thuringian Slate Mountains.
06.11.2025, 11:38
SDA
Bern Zoo is one of the few zoos that keep and successfully breed capercaillies, as it announced on Thursday. Breeding the largest species of chicken is considered difficult.
The reintroduction was part of a comprehensive species protection program that the Thuringian Forest has been pursuing for years to ensure the survival of these impressive birds in the region.
Capercaillie are rare and highly endangered in Central Europe. Populations have been declining significantly for decades. The birds are best known for their spectacular courtship behavior. The capercaillies strut around with their tails fanned, wings lowered, beard feathers ruffled and necks stretched upwards.
In spring 2025, twelve young birds, three females and nine males, grew up in the zoo. Seven have now been released into the wild, the others to other European zoos and animal parks.
