ST. LOUIS — The Saint Louis Zoo welcomed its first new foal in three years last month, as a female Somali wild ass named Astrid was born April 8.

Somali wild asses are critically endangered and are at high risk of disappearing completely from the wild, according to a press release. The decline is a combination of overhunting and habitat loss.   

“For years, the Zoo has been working to help the Somali wild ass in its natural habitat. In 2017, the Saint Louis Zoo assisted in the development of the Roadmap for the Conservation of the African Wild Ass, which outlines key actions to help conserve this species over the next ten years,” the press release states.  

Astrid’s birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for the Somali wild ass species. 

The recently born Somali wild ass is full of energy, keeps close to her mom Tukia, and is already a vibrant part of the herd, according to the press release.

The Somali wild ass is one of three subspecies of the African wild ass, and is the smallest of the wild equids. They are a group that includes horses, asses and zebras. 

A typical African wild ass weighs between 400-500 lbs and is about four feet at the shoulder, the press release states.

For more information, visit the Saint Louis Zoo’s website.