01 November 2026
New Wings on the Ptero Cliffs
Birth
Early this morning keepers recorded the first hatchlings of the season at Ptero Cliffs: three Pteranodon longiceps chicks have emerged from nests on the sheer ledges. The chicks are covered in pale down, making tentative wingbeats and responding to parental calls — adults remain close and gently encourage them toward the edges where the air is already light enough for initial lifts.
The team increased visual monitoring immediately, but no intervention was necessary: all chicks are active, breathing steadily and being fed by their parents. The zone remains marked as “active” due to nesting activity, and staff access is limited to reduce stress on the families.
This hatching matters not only as a boost to the Pteranodon population on the island but also as a field test of the recently adjusted cliff-nesting strategy. Observations of parental behaviour and the chicks' early flights will inform protective measures for nests in the coming weeks.
Keepers ask visitors to keep distance and avoid the cliff railings in the Ptero Cliffs area until the chicks complete the initial adaptation to flight. Routine morning rounds will continue in observation mode to document first lift-off attempts and to respond quickly if assistance becomes necessary.
The team increased visual monitoring immediately, but no intervention was necessary: all chicks are active, breathing steadily and being fed by their parents. The zone remains marked as “active” due to nesting activity, and staff access is limited to reduce stress on the families.
This hatching matters not only as a boost to the Pteranodon population on the island but also as a field test of the recently adjusted cliff-nesting strategy. Observations of parental behaviour and the chicks' early flights will inform protective measures for nests in the coming weeks.
Keepers ask visitors to keep distance and avoid the cliff railings in the Ptero Cliffs area until the chicks complete the initial adaptation to flight. Routine morning rounds will continue in observation mode to document first lift-off attempts and to respond quickly if assistance becomes necessary.