A Bonny wee arrival at Highland Wildlife Park

07/08/2020 in Highland Wildlife Park

A three-month-old Przewalski's horse born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park in May has been named Bonny following a public campaign to raise much needed funds.  

While the park reopened on Monday 29 June, it is still an incredibly difficult time for the wildlife conservation charity, which encouraged the public to donate and suggest a name for the new foal. 

After raising almost £400, keepers decided on the name Bonny which was suggested by Anna Blake in tribute to Bonny Mealand, who volunteered with the herd.  

Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at Highland Wildlife Park, said, “We had a lot of great suggestions and we’re so thankful to everyone who donated to our campaign.  

“The name Bonny was chosen for two reasons. Firstly, because she is very bonny and secondly as a tribute to Bonny Mealand who volunteered a lot of her time helping the keepers train the herd to make things like microchipping and hoof care easier.”  

The Przewalski’s horse has been brought back from extinction in the wild following the success of rewilding and reintroduction projects, including in its native habitats in Mongolia. So the charity was delighted when mum Oyun gave birth this May, during the height of lockdown. 

Keith added, “Bonny is getting on really well and can be spotted trotting around the main reserve with the rest of the herd. Her arrival represents a potentially important contribution to the future of this endangered species. 

“We’re all really excited about Bonny’s arrival and it is fantastic to be able to welcome visitors to meet her too.”