A pair of the world’s rarest parrots have been hatched at Chester Zoo in what could be a “pivotal moment” in saving the birds from extinction, conservationists say.

Described as "two of the most precious chicks on the planet", the Mitchell’s lorikeets arrived safely into the world at the attraction on September 9 and 11. The new hatchlings are said to give new hope to the species which faces being wiped out as just seven of the birds are thought to remain in the wild.

The colourful parrots are one of the world’s rarest birds after the illegal wildlife trade pushed them to the brink of extinction. Experts say that the two chicks will now join a special breeding programme for the 'extremely rare' species, which was set up at conservation zoos across Europe.

Video: SWNS