Highland Wildlife Park baby boom

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Highland Wildlife Park has experienced a baby boom while closed during the coronavirus lockdown.

Staff at the wildlife conservation charity welcomed 14 new arrivals in May, including two forest reindeer calves, and have been sharing videos so visitors can still enjoy watching the adorable baby animals from home.

Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at Highland Wildlife Park, said, “We are currently closed to the public but our keepers have been kept busy with all the new arrivals and are continuing to give our amazing animals the best of care.

“The youngsters, including seven Turkmenian markhor kids, one Bukhara deer calf, two forest reindeer calves, three Japanese macaque babies and one Przewalski's horse foal, will all be named in the coming weeks and we’ll be sure to keep everyone up to date with how they are all getting on.

“We think there are more babies on the way and are keeping our fingers crossed for bison calves as our herd plays an important role in supporting reintroduction efforts for the species in mainland Europe.”

“Being closed means we have no visitor income and it costs £6,000 a month for our food bill alone, so we are asking the public for their support at this difficult time. Anyone who wants to help feed our animals and save species in the wild can find out how on our website.”

Visit highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/help to find out more