Endangered babies born at Banham Zoo
The zoo says it's an extraordinary moment for the park and it's ongoing commitment to wildlife.
Last updated 15th Oct 2025
Two threatened species have been born at Banham Zoo.
Africa Alive has announced the new arrivals, saying it's an extraordinary moment for the park and it's ongoing commitment to wildlife.
It's the first Nile Lechwe calf in nearly two decades. Born on 16th September, the zoo says youngster has so far remained shy, spending much of the time tucked away in the undergrowth.
The Nile Lechwe is an Endangered species, native to the wetlands of South Sudan and Ethiopia, where it faces severe threats from habitat loss and hunting.
Calula, one the sites Somali wild asses, has welcomed a beautiful foal. Keepers discovered the newborn on their morning rounds and were delighted to see the foal already suckling strongly.
Calula, an experienced mother, has been wonderfully attentive, and her latest arrival is a vital boost for the critically Endangered Somali wild ass, of which fewer than 200 individuals are thought to remain in the wild.
Zoe Nunn, Animal manager at Africa Alive, said, ‘We are thrilled to have had many births this year that are part of European breeding programmes, which are so important for the future survival of these species, with our female drill Adanna being born in April this year and then our Nile lechwe and Somali wild ass.
The youngsters are now getting to the age where they are more active and growing in confidence and can be seen exploring and playing in their habitats.’