The Bedford Estates, LondonSomali wild ass foal brings luck to the park!
While Friday the 13th is often seen as unlucky, keepers at Woburn Safari Park proved otherwise as they welcomed a critically endangered Somali wild ass foal on this day!
Born on Friday 13th September 2024, the precious new arrival brings good luck to both the park, their visitors and the future of this struggling species.
Photography Credit: Bridget Davey Photography
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.
Photography Credit: Bridget Davey Photography
The foal is easy to spot in the Road Safari, standing 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.
Protecting the Critically Endangered Somali Wild Ass
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.
Photography Credit: Bridget Davey Photography