Paignton Zoo successfully rears rare pink pigeon

Mr Tooley’s technique has been taught across the world, but the recent rearing of the pink pigeon at the zoo was the first time it had been done there.

Stephen Kings, chief executive officer for Wild Planet Trust, who run Paignton Zoo, said the rearing of the pink pigeon had marked a “fantastic year” for the site’s bird breeding programmes.

Mr Kings said: “Tom’s skilled approach to hand-rearing this squab, along with the collaborative efforts of our dedicated bird team, is yet another testament to our zoo-based expertise in wildlife conservation.”