Highs and lows - new births lift the spirits at Wild Ireland after sad death

The team at Wild Ireland has certainly been experiencing the highs and lows of running a wildlife sanctuary.

Just hours after the heartbreak of losing their much loved Arctic fox, the team welcomed the birth of two native Irish goats.

On Saturday morning, a spokesperson announced: “Our journey through life is marked by ups and downs, and we recently experienced the full spectrum of emotions.

"We were heartbroken to lose our old arctic fox, but grief turned to joy when two old Irish goat kids were born. 

Wild Ireland announces sad death of animal that 'was a real character'

"We will miss him dearly, but take comfort in the fact that he had a happy life and was loved by so many."

“Oonagh, their resilient mother, gave birth to twins and the moment was magical. 

“The old Irish goat is Ireland's only native goat breed, and their population is critically endangered. These two precious little ones have given us hope for the future of the breed.

“They will be inside for a few days until the cold weather passes. 

“Welcome to the world little ones.”

Wild Ireland is a wildlife sanctuary in Burnfoot. It has given a new lease of life to many animals rescued from immeasurably cruel conditions. It is also playing an important role in educating visitors about wildlife and the impact humans have on the natural world, from prehistoric Ireland to the effects of climate change across the world today.