While our thoughts are with people in Texas right now, we wanted to share one heartwarming story from the Dallas Zoo.
SOURCE: womenofageridinghorses.com
Dallas Welcomes More Asses
There’s lots to celebrate at the Dallas Zoo! Not one but two rare Somalia Wild Ass foals were born in July. Kalila (“dearly loved” in Arabic) was born to Liberty on July 9 and Naima (“calm” in Arabic) born to Hani July 19. Abai their sire arrived at the Dallas Zoo in 2005 on loan from the Basel Zoo in Switzerland.
Two new Somali Wild Ass foals born July at the Dallas Zoo
The thriving foals were recently introduced to one another under the watchful eyes of their protective mothers. Their days are spent kicking up their heels and tossing about a whole lot of attitude. Currently off exhibit, they will soon be introduced into the Wilds of Africa habitat joining addax, ostriches and gemsbok.
“This is a big moment for our hoof stock team. Somali Wild Asses are critically endangered, with less than 600 left in the wild,” mammal curator John Fried said. “Only nine institutions in the U.S. care for this rare species, and to be able to welcome two babies is truly one of the highlights of my career.”
The Dallas Zoo is one of approximately 50 around the world working to increase the population of captive Asses. The genetic base is narrow, all 260 animals registered in the 2016 studbook are traced to 17 founding animals established in the early 1970s. In 1986, the San Diego Zoo was the first zoo to realize the birth of a foal in the Western Hemisphere and holds the largest number of Asses in North America today.
So beautiful
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CUTE little critters – thanks.
I am very concerned for our friends in SE Texas – both human and the “critter” kind too and my thoughts go out to all of you down there.
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Pretty darn scary – have a granddaughter in Texas City. She was ok last night, but her mom hasnt heard from her today yet. Cannot imagine what people there are going thru – losing absolutely everything – but hopefully staying alive.
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Hope your granddaughter is okay, Maggie. I’ve been keeping a close eye on the news.
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Thanks, Debbie – her mom heard from her about an hour ago – not so bad right where she is – flooding, but better than Houston itself is doing. appreciate the good thoughts!
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I’m glad to hear she’s safe, Maggie!
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I don’t see Doink! HE missed his class photo.
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