One of the rarest mammals on Earth is born in the UK

They're usually found grazing the arid landscapes of the Horn of Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.

But an adorable African wild ass has made himself at home here in the UK, having been born at a Hampshire zoo last month.

The African wild ass is listed as critically-endangered, with fewer than 200 animals left in the wild.

The male foal, which has not yet been named, was born at Marwell Zoo near Winchester on August 20 to parents Nadifa and Lars.

The African wild ass is native to Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somali, but is preyed on by African lions and Ethiopian wolves.

It has also been hunted by humans for food, causing their numbers to plummet in the wild.

A Marwell spokeswoman said: 'The birth of one of the rarest mammals on the planet has thrilled keepers at Marwell Zoo this week, following the arrival of a critically-endangered African wild ass.

'With gangly legs and floppy ears, it's an addition that's sure to be popular with guests too.

'The new arrival at Marwell is reported to be doing well and can be seen with mother Nadifa in the paddock opposite Okapi playground.'

She added: 'With so few of these animals left in the wild, it's more important than ever to ensure there is a healthy, genetically diverse population of African wild asses in zoos as a back up for populations in the wild.'