Knowsley Safari welcome the birth of critically endangered species

The species is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Knowsley Safari has welcomed the new Somali wild ass as the first foal to be born in the UK this year.

The male foal was born to first time mum and dad Lahra (4) and Hansi (5).

Animal keepers at the Safari moved dad Hansi from the group several weeks prior to the birth, leaving mum Lahra to foal alongside all the other females.

The keepers have reported that Lahra is an extremely proud mum, keeping her distance from the other females so that she can protect and bond with her foal.

Lindsay Banks, Team Manager of Ungulates (Hoooved mammals) at Knowsley Safari, said:

“The foal’s birth is a great moment for Knowsley Safari and the wider Somali wild ass species. There are so few in the world because they’re threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and competition with domestic livestock for resources. It means breeding programmes like ours are crucial for the species’ survival. If they stopped, Somali wild ass could face extinction.

Newborn wild Somali ass - Credit: Knowsley Safari — Newborn wild Somali ass – Credit: Knowsley Safari

“Somali wild ass are often mistaken for donkeys, but they are a fabulous species in their own right and deserve more awareness and appreciation. I’m sure visitors will grow to love Somali wild ass as much as we do when they get to watch our new bundle of energy give his mum the run around on the Safari Drive.”

The Somali wild ass is a subspecies of African wild ass that is currently restricted to parts of the Ethiopian desert and the mountains of North East Eritrea. It has a blue-grey coat, light-coloured belly and distinct black stripes on its legs.

It is an extremely resilient species, surviving in harsh habitats by feeding on thorny bushes and tough grasses. However, limited access to water and food and being increasingly hunted for food and medicinal beliefs, the species has been facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild since its severe decline in the 70s.

Estimates suggest there are just 200 mature individuals left, so urgent action is needed to save this species before it disappears completely.