Chester Zoo has announced the birth of three ‘potato-sized’ rock hyrax pups.
Parents Maris and Albert welcomed two boys and a girl at the end of summer, which have been given appropriately potato-themed names: Russ, Spud, and Jackie.
The pups weighed in at just 200g to 250g at birth and have all passed their first vet check up with a clean bill of health. They now weigh about 350g each.
The rock hyraxes, also known as ‘rock rabbits’ or ‘rock badgers’, are currently a fraction of the size of adults, which can weigh up to 4kg.
However, despite their small size, these mammals are part of the same evolutionary group as elephants and sirenians, an aquatic group which includes manatees. Keepers say that, while they look different, some rock hyrax traits show their family history.
Megan Carpenter, a keeper at Chester Zoo, said: “They look completely different, but there are some clues to their unusual family history. Their long front teeth, for example, are a little bit like miniature elephant tusks, and their feet have some resemblance to elephant feet, with flattened hoof-like nails.
“It’s incredible to look at one of these tiny pups, weighing about the same as a jacket potato, and know that somewhere in its family tree is an elephant.”
Hyraxes are native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. They are most active during the day and live among rocky landscapes.
Megan said: “Their fur colouring and rounded shape helps them blend in with rocks. Hyraxes are one of those species that you have to look for, but once you’ve seen them, they are fascinating to watch.”
The zoo’s hyrax pups are much more energetic than their parents and can often be seen testing their climbing and parkour skills. Meanwhile, the adults will typically wedge themselves into corners and stand on steep rock faces for hours at a time.
Lyndon Howson, assistant team manager in visitor engagement, said: “It’s incredible to think these little animals are so closely related to elephants and manatees. They’re a brilliant example of how misleading appearances can be when it comes to evolution.
“That’s what makes species like hyraxes so interesting – they challenge what we think we know about the natural world and show just how surprising animal evolution can be.”
Image © Chester Zoo
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
