MARWELL Zoo is celebrating the birth of a rare Przewalski’s foal, an endangered species of horse. 

These horses were extinct in the wild from 1969 until 2008, and all of Przewalski’s horses alive today are descended from just 12 captive individuals.

The new foal was born ten days ago on April 15 to mother, Tsetseg and father Nogger, and is reported to be doing well. 

Katie Foulkes, the assistant animal keeper in Hoofstock, said: “Tsetseg is a very good mum and her foal has been seen feeding well.

“She is separating herself and the foal from the group slightly, which is perfectly normal, and shows that she is being very protective."

READ MORE: Marwell Zoo celebrates birth of rare addax as visitors watch it happen

In video footage released by Marwell Zoo, the new foal is just four days old and exploring the zoo's valley field with Tsetseg.

Przewalski’s foals weigh between 25 and 30kg at birth. They can stand and walk within an hour of being born, and within a few weeks are able to start grazing.

Visitors will be able to spot the new foal alongside last year’s new arrival Basil, from the balcony of Café Graze which overlooks the valley field. 

Przewalski’s horses are listed as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species with populations increasing thanks to zoo breeding programmes.

The work at Marwell Zoo has been crucial in returning these horses back to the wild where populations are now increasing.

The foal will go on to be an important part of the European Ex-Situ Breeding Programme.