Marwell Zoo Starts Summer With Baby Boom

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: July 22, 2020 9:00 pm

Photo Credit: Marwell Zoo/ Gemma Davis

Marwell Zoo in the United Kingdom has celebrated a range of births this summer including some incredibly threatened species.

The new arrivals that have joined the zoo family include a black and white ruffed lemur, a range of bird chicks, a mountain bongo calf and a pair of blesbok calves.

Ian Goodwin, Animal Collection Manager, at Marwell, said, “To have these different animals born within weeks of each other is fantastic news and we’re delighted we’re now reopen so guests can join us this summer in watching their development.”

Photo Credit: Marwell Zoo/ Gemma Davis

The black and white ruffed lemur was born while the zoo was closed for the lockdown and has been named Zephyr. His parents are known as Breeze and Shorty. He can been seen playing in the bushes at the zoo’s lemur enclosure.

In the zoo’s tropical house and walk through aviary there are chicks of the black-headed weaver, crested wood partridge, striking Brazilian tanager and Sclater’s crowned pigeon.

Meanwhile the mountain bongo family has welcomed a male calf that has been called Arthur. Originally from Kenya mountain bongos are now highly endangered with just 100 left in the wild. First time parents, Ituri and Canela welcomed the calf last month.

Photo Credit: Marwell Zoo/ Gemma Davis

Finally they have welcomed two blesbok calves, the first born at the zoo in its history.

Animal team leader Lauren Arthy-Miles explained: “We have not held blesbok as a species before so we hope these calves are the first of many. Although currently considered ‘least concern’, Blesbok did experience a massive and rapid decline in numbers due to overhunting prior to receiving protection in some areas of Africa so can be considered a conservation success story. Breeding this species responsibly in zoos will help this success to continue.”

Learn more about Marwell Zoo on their website – Marwell Zoo