DUBLIN ZOO IS ONCE again filled with the pitter-patter of tiny feet – four feet, on this occasion.

The zoo welcomed a 20kg eastern bongo calf to its fold in January, however visitors may not have had much of an opportunity to see her yet, given that newborn bongos typically take cover in foliage to hide from any potential predators.

The mammals are native to the African plains and are highly endangered; only between 75 and 140 exist in the wild. According to the World Wildlife Fund it is classified as ‘critically endangered’. Adults grow to around 2.5 metres in length and males can weigh up to 400kg.

Helen Clarke-Bennett of Dublin Zoo described the female calf as “fit but still quite shy”. (She also said that the calf will grow into her currently-disproportionate ears…)