Four Maccoa ducklings, one of Africa's rarest duck species, have hatched at Chester Zoo for the very first time.

The ducklings mark the zoo's first ever successful breeding of the endangered African birds.

Experts say only around 5,000 of the ducks remain in the wild, with the birds found in increasingly fragmented pockets across Central and East Africa.

Once widespread across the continent, latest surveys found just 14 individuals in Kenya and fewer than 100 in Tanzania - prompting concern over the future survival of the species.

The newly hatched ducklings are the first to emerge within the zoo's huge new Heart of Africa zone - a 22.5-acre habitat dedicated to supporting the conservation of African species that are disappearing in the wild.

Bird conservationists at the zoo say it hopes the successful hatchlings will contribute towards the long-term protection of the rare ducks.

Andrew Owen, head of birds at Chester Zoo, said: "As one of just seven zoos in Europe and 12 zoos globally that care for Maccoa ducks, these ducklings are very special as they're the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo – making it a really historic moment for our team.

"This success gives a real boost to the future of the species and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos.

"These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count.

"To see them now out on the water inside our new Heart of Africa habitat, which is dedicated to helping Africa's most threatened species thrive, makes this milestone even more special."

Maccoa ducks are diving ducks, known for their stiff tails and deep-blue bills and are often found in nutrient-rich wetland habitats.

Their rapid decline is linked to habitat degradation, water pollution and climate change.

As a result, the species is listed as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species – highlighting the need for urgent conservation action.

Chester Zoo is one of just a dozen institutions in the world working with the highly threatened species and hopes to play a vital role in its survival.