Chester Zoo hails birth of ‘one of world’s rarest animals’
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Conservationists at the zoo said there are less than 600 surviving wild onagers, but the birth “of the leggy youngster” could help safeguard the species from extinction.
Mike Jordan, animal and plant director at Chester Zoo, said the zoo was “delighted” with the birth of Jasper.
Mr Jordan said Jasper is “doing very well” and added that “mum Azita is doing a fantastic job of nurturing and bonding with her new charge”.
“He’s full of energy and enjoys playfully kicking up sand as he races around his habitat”, Mr Jordan added.
Wild asses were once found in abundance across the deserts of Mongolia, China and Iran, but now very few species remain.
Onagers only survive in two small, protected areas in Iran, a Chester Zoo spokesman said.
