News

First red squirrel born in captivity

A red squirrel has been born in captivity for the first time in Northern Ireland.

The eight-week-old squirrel, known as a kitten, was bred at Belfast Zoo, which has had a red squirrel enclosure since August 2012.

The baby female was found in a nest box when regular health checks were being carried out on the zoo's three adult squirrels, Oisin, Taisie and Sheshk.

Red squirrel numbers are under threat in the north.

Zoo manager, Mark Challis, said he was delighted that Belfast Zoo "has been able to play such an active role in the conservation of an iconic Northern Ireland species whose future is so fragile". Schools across the north have been asked to take part in a competition to name the baby squirrel.

To get a red squirrel school pack and naming competition forms, for your class, contact the zoo on 028 9077 6277 or email nativespecies@belfastzoo.co.uk.