TWO critically endangered ducks have hatched at Slimbridge Wetland Centre. 

It's the first time that the wetland centre has successfully bred the critically endangered species.

Phoebe Vaughan, deputy living collections manager said: “The Baer’s pochard is the most recent in a long list of ‘little brown ducks’ to need our help and understanding in recent decades.

“When you make a habitat they will come, they will breed and they will thrive! This is such a valuable message to our visitors and future generations.”

According to the charity, the ducklings hatched in June. 

Baer’s pochard were once a common species across Eastern Asia, but now risks becoming the first widespread continental duck to become extinct. 

The species became listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2012 - with a population once estimated as around 20,000.

However, now fewer than 1000 individuals remain in the wild. 

Visitors can see the new Baer’s pochard family at the Mission Possible exhibit who are said to be thriving in their new home at Slimbridge Wetland Centre.