Skip to content

Pictures released of baby vicuna born at wildlife park

Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Baby vicuna or cria standing in the middle of a field full of grass and wild plants, with two adult vicuna either side of them and the screen.Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
The month-old female has been named Xoco

Pictures have been released of a baby vicuna - known as a cria - born at the Highland Wildlife Park last month.

Keepers at the site in Kincraig said the female was born on 18 June to parents Juanita and Austria.

They have named the month-old female Xoco, a Nahuatl name meaning "little sister" or "the youngest child".

Vicunas are the smallest members of the camel family and a relative of llamas and alpacas. They are native to the high alpine areas of the Andes Mountains in South America.

Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Baby vicuna or cria standing in a field full of grass and wild plants, alongside one of the herd. They are looking at the camera.Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
Xoco is said to be settling in with the herd

The Highland vicuna is said to be doing well and settling in with the herd.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is continuing its recent "baby boom" of animals.

Two rare snow leopard cubs have been born at the park, alongside Himalayan monals and red deer, as well as Bru the capybara, Snoot the giant armadillo and Atty the sloth at Edinburgh Zoo.

A small herd of six vicuna live at the park in the Highlands – Juanita, Ozzy, Austria, Kantu, Tupac and now, Xoco.

Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Baby vicuna or cria nibbling at something in a field full of grass and wild plants. Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
Visitors might be able to spot her exploring the drive-through reserve