Keepers at the Highland Wildlife Park have revealed the name of their newest arrival just weeks after reopening for business.
The small Przewalski’s horse was born to mum Oyun at the height of the lockdown in May, while the attraction remained closed to visitors.
The three-month old foal has now been named Bonny in tribute to Bonny Mealand, who volunteered with the herd.
Its name, suggested by Anna Blake, was chosen following a public fundraising campaign launched by operators Royal Zoological Society of Scotland giving backers the chance to suggest a suitable moniker for the new addition.
Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at Highland Wildlife Park, said, “We had a lot of great suggestions and we’re so thankful to everyone who donated to our campaign.
“The name Bonny was chosen for two reasons. Firstly, because she is very bonny and secondly as a tribute to Bonny Mealand who volunteered a lot of her time helping the keepers train the herd to make things like microchipping and hoof care easier.”
He added: “Bonny is getting on really well and can be spotted trotting around the main reserve with the rest of the herd. Her arrival represents a potentially important contribution to the future of this endangered species.
“We’re all really excited about Bonny’s arrival and it is fantastic to be able to welcome visitors to meet her too.”
The campaign comes at an “incredibly difficult time” for the conservation charity as it continues to recoup just a fraction of the income lost to the pandemic.
