A pair of rare Elephant Shrews have been born in the UK, for the first time ever.<\/p>\n
The rare species – also known as Sengi – were born on 23 February to parents, Nuru and Malaonly. <\/p>\n
The Sengis weigh 30g at birth which is roughly the same as a double AA battery.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Nuru, the male Sengi, is pictured here. Credit: Hertfordshire Zoo<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“These pups are growing incredibly fast and are already showing the same high-energy, inquisitive traits as their parents.”<\/p>\n
Mala, pictured here, arrived in the country with her breeding partner, Nuru, a few months ago. Credit: Hertfordshire Zoo<\/p>\n
The newborns are currently being closely monitored and being cared for by their parents.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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