Hertfordshire Zoo is delighted to announce the arrival of a remarkable new species to its collection; a young pair of Black and Rufous Sengi.
Also known as Elephant Shrews these tiny, fascinating mammals are one of only two pairs currently living in the UK. Each adult Sengi weighs about the same as a small loaf of bread, making them one of the most endearing, pint-sized residents at Hertfordshire Zoo.
In a combined effort with ZSL London Zoo, the two breeding pairs, both around six months old, have safely arrived in their new homes from Leipzig Zoo in Germany and Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic.
Native to the forests and shrublands of southeastern Kenya, these small insect-eating mammals are known for their extraordinary agility and long, flexible noses which resemble a miniature elephant’s trunk and helps them sniff out insects among the leaf litter.
Jessie Boylan, Hertfordshire Zoo’s Curator commented “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome these incredible animals to the UK. They’re a species I’ve long admired and seeing them up close is a real privilege. I know our visitors will love them and they’ll help highlight the amazing ecosystem of the forest floor. It’s very exciting to add such a special and unusual addition to Hertfordshire Zoo.”
In captivity these rare and lesser-known creatures can live to around ten years. With a gestation period of 45 to 60 days, the team at Hertfordshire Zoo are hopeful that the pair will one day contribute to breeding efforts.
Visitors can now see the Black and Rufous Sengi in their specially designed habitat at Hertfordshire Zoo and learn more about the vital conservation work being carried out to protect small African mammals and their ecosystems.
