This young Somali wild ass is the newest addition to Marwell Wildlife Zoo.
Somali wild ass foal
The young foal, named Nthanda, has increased the number of a species which has been labelled critically endangered in the wild since 1996.
She has been finding her feet since being born on July 9.
Today the Somali wild ass can only be found in the harsh and remote deserts of Eritrea, northern Ethiopia and Somalia.
Ian Goodwin, collection manager of hoofstock, said: “She is doing really well and it’s great watching her find her feet and play around the paddock. She is a vital addition to the EEP (European Endangered species breeding Programme) and this is a great achievement for Marwell.”
Marwell has always been key in the conservation of this special breed and the first ever British born Somali wild ass was at Marwell in 1996.
Conservation Biologist Tanya Langenhorst added: “The Somali wild ass is critically endangered and the most threatened of all equid species, so we are very excited about the birth of this beautiful foal. Estimates suggest that there are only a few hundred individuals left in the wild.”