Source: Discover Magazine
Three rock hyrax pups named Russ, Spud, and Jackie were born in late summer at Chester Zoo to parents Maris and Albert. The energetic pups, which keepers affectionately describe as “little chaos potatoes,” have begun exploring their habitat and practicing climbing skills. Each weighs about 350 grams and has successfully passed its first Veterinary examination.
Despite their small, rodent-like appearance, rock hyraxes are surprisingly close evolutionary relatives of elephants, manatees, and dugongs. Physical clues include continuously growing front incisors resembling miniature elephant tusks, flattened hoof-like nails, similar skull characteristics, and keen hearing. Ancient members of the hyrax family were considerably larger, with some reaching the size of modern tapirs.
Rock hyraxes also possess adaptations suited to their environment. A bulge in each eye’s iris functions like a natural sun visor, while a long claw on each hind foot helps with scratching and grooming. Their strong molars allow them to grind tough plant material.