Chester Zoo announces birth of three rock hyrax pups

Three rock hyrax pups, named Russ, Spud, and Jackie, have been born at Chester Zoo. The trio, consisting of two males and one female, was born to parents Maris and Albert and has successfully passed their first veterinary check.

Despite their small size—currently weighing approximately 350g compared to the 4kg adult weight—the pups are noted for their high energy levels. Rock hyraxes are evolutionary relatives of elephants and sirenians, such as manatees and dugongs.

Zoo keepers noted physical similarities to elephants, including long front teeth resembling miniature tusks and feet with flattened, hoof-like nails. In their natural habitats across sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, hyraxes use their rounded shapes and fur coloring to blend into rocky landscapes.