New Hooves on the Block: Endangered Babies Born at Africa Alive!

Africa Alive is thrilled to announce the arrival of two threatened species, marking an extraordinary moment for the park and its ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation.

They’re proud to share the birth of our first Nile Lechwe calf in nearly two decades. Born on 16th September, this precious youngster has so far remained shy, spending much of the time tucked away in the undergrowth.
The Nile Lechwe is an Endangered species, native to the wetlands of South Sudan and Ethiopia, where it faces severe threats from habitat loss and hunting. This birth represents a significant conservation milestone for the park and the wider European breeding programme.

Adding to the excitement, Calula, one of their much-loved Somali wild asses, has welcomed a beautiful foal. Keepers discovered the newborn on their morning rounds and were delighted to see the foal already suckling strongly. Calula, an experienced mother, has been wonderfully attentive, and her latest arrival is a vital boost for the Critically Endangered Somali wild ass, of which fewer than 200 individuals are thought to remain in the wild.

These important births highlight Africa Alive’s dedication to safeguarding some of the world’s most threatened species through carefully managed breeding and conservation efforts.

Zoe Nunn, Animal manager at Africa Alive, said, ‘We are thrilled to have had many births this year that are part of European breeding programmes, which are so important for the future survival of these species, with our female drill Adanna being born in April this year and then our Nile lechwe and Somali wild ass. The youngsters are now getting to the age where they are more active and growing in confidence and can be seen exploring and playing in their habitats.’
In further good news, the red river hog twins we announced last month are thriving and continuing to charm visitors with their playful energy.

Visitors will have the chance to catch a glimpse of these exciting new arrivals over the October half-term, as the young animals begin to explore their surroundings.