The Newest, Cutest Baby Animals from the World's Zoos & Aquariums

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Foal solo

Keepers at
Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Australia have double the reason to celebrate with two
Przewalski’s Horse foals born just three days apart, the first on January 29, and the second on February 1! Both foals are fillies, and will grow up to take part one day in the important breeding program for this endangered species.

Mothers Genghis and Suren are showing all the right maternal behaviors in caring for
their offspring. Keepers have witnessed the foals feeding well from the
time they were able to stand. Keeper Jackie Stuart observed, “Both foals
are quite outgoing and enjoy a little gallop around the paddock and after a
drink, have a nap in the sun at their mothers’ feet.” 

Foal sit

Foal dance

Photo Credits: Jackie Stuart/Taronga Western Plains Zoo

“This is Genghis’s second foal, so she is taking it all in her stride and is less concerned and protective of her offspring," Jackie continued, "while Suren, a first-time mum, is being kept on her toes with her very curious foal.” 

Keepers have
named one of the foals ‘Zaria’, meaning ‘sunrise’ in Russian, as foals are
often born in the early morning. While the Zoo has named one of the foals, they are welcoming suggestions on a name for the second foal from members of the
public via their Facebook page. The foal to
be named is a curious but outgoing female — and suggestions should also reflect
the origin of the species being Mongolian or Russian. 

See more pictures of these foals after the fold!

Foal head

Foal stand

Foal gallop

4 responses to “Taronga Zoo Sees Double with Birth of Two Critically Endangered Foals”

  1. ChicagoMel Avatar

    You’re a little behind on the listing. Wikipedia says they haven’t been redlisted since 2011, and are just listed as Endangered. Are they mistaken?

  2. ChicagoMel Avatar

    (can’t see a way to edit) I know Wikipedia isn’t always 100 percent indisputably wrong, and that’s why I wondered if perhaps they were mistaken rather than you.

  3. Andrew Bleiman Avatar

    Hi ChicagoMel – You’re correct. We were going by the Zoo’s press release but it looks like it was listed as endangered in 2008. We should have checked IUCN. Thanks

  4. f1 Avatar
    f1

    so cut

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