Banham Zoo has welcomed a critically endangered Somali wild ass from its sister zoo, Africa Alive.
The male ass, Naadir, was born at Africa Alive in Kessingland last summer as part of a breeding programme protecting the species from extinction.
Somali wild ass are one of the most endangered animals in the world, with only around 200 mature adults remaining in the wild according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (ICUN) Red List of Threatened Species.
We are delighted to announce the arrival of a Somali wild ass.
— Banham Zoo (@banhamzoo) October 12, 2023
The young male, named Naadir, was born at Africa Alive last summer! Somali wild ass are amongst some of the most endangered animals in the world, with only around 200 mature adults believed to be remaining. pic.twitter.com/PoytXvIFNm
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Naadir's mother and father, Pienga and Sahib, birthed two foals together before having him - both of which were moved to other European collections as part of the European Breeding Programme (EEP).
Sahib also fathered another female foal in 2022 with mare Calula.
Somali wild ass are often mistaken for stripy-legged donkeys and live in the rocky deserts of north east Africa.
They are critically endangered due to war, hunting and habitat loss.
Banham Zoo, in Kenninghall Road in Banham, is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm.
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