A pair of rare Elephant Shrews have been born in the UK, for the first time ever.
The rare species – also known as Sengi – were born on 23 February to parents, Nuru and Malaonly.
The Sengis weigh 30g at birth which is roughly the same as a double AA battery.
Staff at the zoo were only able to see the pair after they reviewed CCTV footage and emerged from the nest on Thursday 12 March.
Nuru, the male Sengi, is pictured here. Credit: Hertfordshire Zoo
The zoo say it’s a “significant victory” for them and the whole of the wider Zoological community – they have added to the small handful of the animal that are here already and aid education and study of this African species.
The managing director of Hertfordshire Zoo, Tyler Whitnall, said: “To have the first-ever black and rufous sengi birth in the UK right here at Hertfordshire Zoo is an incredible feeling.
We knew when we welcomed the pair last October that we were part of something special, but to see them successfully breed so quickly is a testament to the world-class care provided by our team.
“These pups are growing incredibly fast and are already showing the same high-energy, inquisitive traits as their parents.”
Mala, pictured here, arrived in the country with her breeding partner, Nuru, a few months ago. Credit: Hertfordshire Zoo
The newborns are currently being closely monitored and being cared for by their parents.
They are still spending much of their time in their nesting area but are expected to be fully active and on view to the public in the coming weeks.
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