A Thai zoo announced that it has successfully bred groundhog-like rock hyraxes in captivity.

The Khon Kaen Zoo said that three hyrax cubs - one male and two female - were born at the zoo on July 12.

The newborn animals were weighed, de-wormed, fitted with microchips, and underwent health inspections on August 17.

Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoy said the trio will join the four male and three female rock hyraxes living at the zoo.

He said: 'Khon Kaen Zoo is designated by the the Zoological Park Organisation as the only zoo in Thailand where tourists can observe rock hyraxes. We invite animal enthusiasts to visit and see these creatures.'

Despite their rodent-like appearance, the rock hyrax, scientifically known as Procavia capensis, is most closely related to elephants, with their incisors resembling elephant tusks.

The creatures are commonly found across the African continent, inhabiting diverse environments like deserts, rainforests, and pine forests.

Female rock hyraxes have a gestation period of around seven to eight months, and nurture their offspring before weaning them at five months old.

Maturity is reached at around 17 to 18 months. An adult rock hyrax is around 30 to 70 centimetres long and weighs around 2 to 5 kilogrammes.

They typically live in colonies with an adult male, several females, and juvenile rock hyraxes.