Rock Hyrax

(Procavia capensis)

Seneca Park Zoo is home to a female and male rock hyrax. The female rock hyrax is from the Bronx Zoo while the male came from the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. The pair reside inside of the Animals of the Savanna building.

Animal Facts

Rock hyraxes are social creatures and live in colonies.

One of their closest living relatives is the elephant.

Diet

Rock hyraxes feed on a variety of grasses and shrubs, with a particular liking towards new shoots, buds, fruits, and berries. Occasionally they may feed on insects and grubs.

Status in The Wild

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status

Their habit ranges from arid deserts to rainforests in sub-saharan Africa, except for the Congo Basin and Madagascar, and extending into the Middle East bordering the Red Sea.

International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status: Least concern due to its wide distribution, the wide range of habitats it is supported by, presumed large populations, and occurrence in a large number of big protected areas.