Zoologists found photos on the banks of a Saaremaa river. The photos showed minks. This indicated that the minks had offspring on Saaremaa.
Previously there was no clear evidence, but now there is. Martin Silts said this is good news. It shows that Saaremaa provides a good environment for minks.
Female minks were sent from Tallinn Zoo to Saaremaa. They gave birth to 22 pups. The pups learned to live independently. Now they have been released back into the wild.
Martin Silts said the pups adapt better than the mothers. They will find a good habitat on Saaremaa.
There are no American minks on Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. This helps European minks survive. On the mainland there are many American minks, which are a threat.
Tallinn Zoo has 110 minks. There is a small group on Hiiumaa. Now there are also minks on Saaremaa. This helps protect the species.