Keepers at Highland Wildlife Park have welcomed the birth of a second baby vicuna this year.
The one-month-old male has been named Apu, which means ‘a god of the mountains’ in the Quechua language of the Andes.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) said Apu was born to parents Lino and Ozzy on September 1, and the youngster is doing well.
RZSSApu’s birth was caught on camera by the park’s hoofstock keepers.
The baby vicuna’s arrival follows the birth of female Xoco earlier this year, and the pair are settling into the herd at the park, which comprises Juanita, Ozzy, Austria, Kantu, and Tupac.
Vicunas trace their origins back to South America, specifically the high plains of the Andes mountains.
Because their natural habitat is so low in oxygen, vicunas have developed larger-than-normal hearts to help cope.
They are also known for their soft wool, and are the national animal of Peru.
RZSSBaby vicunas are known as crias and are born precocial, meaning they can stand and walk within an hour of birth.
Visitors to the park will be able to spot the cria exploring the drive-through reserve with mum close by.
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