PREVIEW

Friday 13th is traditionally seen as unlucky - but keepers at Woburn Safari Park were counting their blessings this September after welcoming a critically endangered Somali wild ass foal on the day!

The foal was born to proud parents, mum Tawa and dad Quentin, who previously welcomed their first foal, Vusumuzi in 2021.

Tom Robson, Head Keeper of Reserves said: “We are thrilled to see the young one confidently exploring its surroundings, with mum keeping a watchful eye and allowing moments of independence.”

It’s a heartwarming sight on the Road Safari, at Bedfordshire’s popular self-drive Safari Park. Mum Tawa is staying close to the long-legged foal, while the two other females in the herd are also “showing gentle curiosity” toward the newcomer.

Tawa, who carried her foal for 13 months, shares her habitat with two other female Somali wild ass, while dad Quentin and another male reside in a separate enclosure.

The two females are curious about the new arrival, whilst Tawa’s instinct is to stay within a close proximity for protection, ensuring her foal is supervised within their parkland home.

Keepers are thrilled with how well the herd has embraced the foal and are delighted at the close bond between mum and baby.

The foal is easy to spot in the Road Safari, as the species stands out with its beautiful long stripy markings on its legs. The young one will stay close to mum as it continues to suckle and won’t begin eating grass until about 3 months of age.

The Somali wild ass is a critically endangered species, with only a few hundred individuals left in the wild, making this birth a crucial step in conservation efforts. This species is threatened in the wild due to issues such as being hunted for food, use in traditional medicine, habitat loss and competition with domestic livestock for grazing and water resources.
As an EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) accredited zoo, Woburn Safari Park plays an essential role in the European Endangered Species Programme, working to protect this species from extinction.