Marwell Zoological Park is delighted to announce the recent birth of two rare female Somali Wild Asses. ‘Nadifa’ (Somali for ‘in-between seasons’) was born on 6th September and ‘Jahzara’ (Ethiopian for Blessed Princess) was born on 25th September.

The Somali Wild Ass is critically endangered and with just a few hundred left in the wild the species faces an uncertain future. It is generally believed that less than 300 now remain in their native territory in north-east Africa and none now live in Somalia, the country that they are named after.
 
Born as part of a breeding programme to increase the world-wide population, the addition of two females bringing Marwell’s herd to seven is extremely important, as Head Keeper for the Somali Wild Asses Simon Hawker explains: “Due to recent droughts and political turmoil it is very difficult to asses the current wild populations. With this uncertainty it is vital that we increase the number of Somali Wild Asses born in captivity to help safeguard their future.”     
 
The Somali Wild Ass is one of three subspecies of the African Wild Ass, one of which has already become extinct. The Somali’s main threats include: habitat destruction, poaching and hunting, competing with livestock for forage, and the threat of genetic dilution as a consequence of the Asses breeding with domestic donkeys.
 
Marwell Zoological Park has been extremely successful in breeding Somali Wild Asses, with ten foals born at the Park over 11 years. Nadifa and Jahzara can now be seen with their mums, Possa and Tikva, in their paddock.
 
Marwell Zoological Park is open daily from 10am. It is now easier than ever to buy tickets – simply log onto www.marwell.org.uk