KARACHI: Eight-year-old pair of Shetland ponies gave birth this week to a healthy foal in Karachi Zoo where two pairs were imported in 1992 and 1994 for giving ride to children, for which this mini-breed that measures hardly three feet from the ground level, was developed by the breeders in Shetland Island, off the Western coast of England, centuries ago.

“The foal weighs 25 kg while the parents weigh 300 kg each, which is a very light weight for any breed of horses,” said Dr. Kazim, director, zoological gardens.

The foal was born after a gestation period of 375 days. The average life-span of this breed is 25-30 years which is slightly more than the life-span of the heavier breed that tire out early and touch the span of 20 years.

The longevity in the lighter breed is due to less wear and tear of the body of this breed that carries children around seven to ten for a ride, which is not much of exertion for its body.

Shetland have soft temperament that has been developed over the years of selective breeding.

Children are requested to send their suggestions for naming the young foal”, suggested Dr Kazmi. The foal and the mama are in the exhibition enclosure.—Dr A.A. Quraishy