DEATH-DEFYING CLIMBERS SET TO MAKE THEIR DEBUT AT PAIGNTON ZOO

Four Turkmenian markhor have arrived at Paignton Zoo, bringing with them the extraordinary climbing abilities that have made mountain goats internet sensations worldwide.

The small herd consists of three females – Bramble, Heather, and Daisy – and one male – Bud – who arrived from Edinburgh Zoo earlier this month. The small herd is currently settling into the historic limestone quarry enclosure, which features natural vertical cliff faces previously home to Mishmii takins, another Himalayan species. Markhor are known to treat sheer rock walls as walkways, leaping between ledges with precision that seems to defy physics.

Videos of the 90-kilogram animals scaling near-vertical cliff faces have become viral phenomena, with their gravity-defying abilities drawing comparisons to extreme sports climbers. Zoo staff are confident that visitors will soon witness the spectacular displays that regularly attract millions of viewers on social media platforms.

251009 Paignton Zoo Turkmenian Markhor Arrival Farah Adaci 4 LR — *_{New arrivals Bramble, Heather, Daisy, and Bud begin acclimatising to Paignton Zoo’s limestone quarry enclosure.}*

Owen Taylor, Curator of Mammals at Paignton Zoo, commented:

“We’re giving them time to adjust to their new surroundings. Once they’re settled, we’re confident that visitors will see the incredible climbing displays these animals are famous for. People are fascinated by extreme climbing, whether it’s free solo rock climbing or mountain goats doing what comes naturally.”

The species’ legendary climbing skills evolved over thousands of years in the Hindu Kush mountains, where navigating vertical terrain means the difference between survival and becoming prey. Their split hooves act like precision climbing tools, gripping tiny footholds that would challenge the most experienced mountaineer.

The Turkmenian markhor represents the largest species of wild goat, but their impressive size cannot protect them from the threat of extinction. Fewer than 2,500 individuals remain in their native Hindu Kush mountain range, making every surviving markhor critically important for the species’ future.

251009 Paignton Zoo Turkmenian Markhor Arrival Farah Adaci 31 — *_{Each markhor at Paignton Zoo plays a vital role in international efforts to safeguard this critically endangered species.}*

This dramatic population decline has pushed the species into the critically endangered category, with habitat loss and hunting pressure continuing to reduce their numbers. The four animals now calling Paignton Zoo home represent vital insurance against the species’ disappearance from the wild.

Their transfer to Devon results from an international conservation programme designed to maintain genetic diversity and stable populations outside the markhors’ increasingly threatened natural habitat. Each birth in human care could prove crucial for the species’ long-term survival.

The historic limestone quarry enclosure, with its natural vertical cliff faces, provides multiple viewing points and challenging terrain perfectly suited to encourage the markhor’s extraordinary climbing displays.

Owen continued:

“The markhor don’t perform on cue – they simply live their lives, which happens to involve regularly defying what visitors think is possible.”

As the animals become comfortable in their new home, visitors can expect to witness climbing displays that showcase millions of years of evolution in action. Their quarry exhibit will be open from Saturday 25 October.

Book your tickets at paigntonzoo.org.uk – every ticket purchase supports vital conservation efforts for Turkmenian markhor and other critically endangered species.