New star arrivals at Highland Wildlife Park
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Highland Wildlife Park is celebrating the birth of two endangered Przewalski's horse foals.
Park owners the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland have just announced mums Tuya and Ieda gave birth to the new arrivals earlier this month.
Staff at the wildlife conservation charity said they are delighted to welcome the first births this year in the drive-through reserve.
They expect more species, including their European bison and red deer, to give birth in the coming month.
The Przewalski’s horse has been brought back from extinction in the wild following the success of rewilding and reintroduction projects including in their native habitats in Mongolia.
Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at the wildlife park, said: “Both of our foals are getting on really well and can be spotted trotting around the reserve with the rest of the herd.
“Their arrival represents a potentially important contribution to the future of this endangered species which has gone from being extinct in the wild to once again roaming in native habitat.
“This huge feat and is directly attributable to the efforts of the zoo community and the successful reintroduction of this species shows just how important a carefully managed captive population is to restoring and safeguarding the future of animals.”
The first foal was born on April 15 to Ieda with the second being born on April 20 to Tuya. Both foals share the same dad, Chaqatai.
The attraction by Kincraig reopened to local people on March 26 with a wide range of safety measures in place and visitors from across the UK have been able to return since Monday.
Mr Gilchrist said: “It has been great to be able to welcome our wonderful visitors back to the park and hope it won't be long before they can spot the youngsters in our drive-through reserve.
“Every visit helps care for our amazing animals like our Przewalski's horses, and protects threatened species in Scotland and across the world.”
Visitors must pre-book park tickets before their visit - for more details click here
