New arrival in the yak family at Tbilisi Zoo — video blog
A baby yak has been born to the yak family living at Tbilisi Zoo. Both the mother and the newborn are doing well and are already getting to know each other.
A newborn yak calf is able to stand firmly on its feet within about ten minutes of birth. By the age of one year, it stops feeding on milk and becomes fully independent.
The yak is a large even-toed mammal and a close relative of cattle. These animals are known for their long, mostly dark brown coats and large curved horns. According to historical sources, yaks were used in Georgia during the early Middle Ages for domestic work, transporting goods over long distances and in construction. The animal is also mentioned in Shota Rustaveli’s famous epic poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin.
The yak is currently listed as a vulnerable species in the International Red List. Hunting wild yaks in China and Tibet carries financial penalties, yet poaching continues, particularly in winter, when they may serve as a crucial source of meat.
Visitors to Tbilisi Zoo can see the newborn calf in the yak and pony enclosure.
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Tbilisi Zoo‘s history spans nearly a century. It was founded on 10 February 1927 on the basis of the Caucasian Society for the Acclimatisation of Animals, which had been keeping wild animals since the early 20th century, though without official zoo status.
The zoo was originally built on 70 hectares in the Vere River gorge. Over the years, the expansion of the capital — and later the devastating flood of 13 June 2015 — significantly reduced the territory of the old zoo. Today, it covers five hectares and is home to around 1,500 animals, each with its own story..
In this video series, we will introduce you to the residents of Tbilisi Zoo. We will show how their day unfolds, how they interact with other animals and people, and how their behaviour changes depending on the weather and the season. Get ready to hear many fascinating stories.
ew arrival in the yak family at Tbilisi Zoo
