With only a few hundred remaining in native habitats, the Somai wild ass is one of the rarest members of the horse family. They are native to the harsh, rocky deserts in eastern Africa, where they deal with extremely high temperatures. To beat the heat, they graze early in the morning and later at night, when temperatures are the coolest.
The Somali wild ass is the smallest member of the horse family and most closely related to zebras. They even have zebra-like stripes on their legs.
Somali wild asses are a conservation success story! There are only a few hundred left in native habitats, but thanks to conservation populations like the one at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, their numbers are increasing. The Safari Park has welcomed the births of more Somali wild asses than any other zoo in North America. You may be able to see Somali wild asses while enjoying Africa Tram or another wildlife safari experience, or spot them passing through on a wildlife live camera!
