We are delighted to announce that our two rock hyrax, Cindy Lou and Ryan, have welcomed two little pups!
On 3rd July 2024, the Animal Care Team were delighted to discover that Cindy Lou had given birth to twins! Cindy Lou and Ryan are experienced parents; however, this is their first offspring together as a pair. Ryan arrived at Colchester Zoo in July 2019 from Africa Alive and was joined by Cindy Lou in April 2023 from Beale Wildlife Park.
As soon as rock hyrax are born, they look like miniature versions of their parents. They are born with the same coat, their eyes open, and become mobile soon after birth, usually within 24 hours. As the twins begin to grow, they will observe their mother and learn new behaviours by repeating the actions they see.
Hyraxes use grunts, wails, squeals, snorts, twitters, growls, whistles and shrieks to communicate. They vocalise to contact groups in different locations; one calls out and another calls back.
Despite their small stature, the closest relatives to rock hyrax are elephants and manatees. Rock hyrax have many features which are similar to that of any elephant including their teeth, toes and skull structures.
Rock hyrax are currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Unfortunately, they are considered pests in some areas of North America and are also hunted for their meat and soft fur.
The little pups are currently still in their den with mum, Cindy Lou, but as they grow older and stronger, you will be able to see our newest family at their home at Inca Trail.
