IT MAY look like a donkey or a young zebra but this is one of the rarest animals in the world, and it has been born in Hampshire.
A new Somali wild ass has been born at Marwell Zoo – a species which is critically endangered in the wild.
Born to Marwell resident Tikva, the young foal has been named Nthanda – meaning ‘star’ in Tumbuka.
Nthanda increases the number of a species which has been labelled critically endangered since 1996.
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.”
The main threats that face the Somali wild ass are hunting for food and hides, habitat reduction and competition for water with livestock.
How many individuals of this beautiful species remain is unknown, but estimates are as little as 280.
Marwell has always been key in the conservation of this special breed and the first-ever British born Somali wild ass was born at Marwell in 1996.
Somali wild ass factfile
STATUS: Critically Endangered.
NUMBER OF YOUNG: One
GESTATION: 365 days
LIFE SPAN: 25 years
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