DUBLIN ZOO welcomed almost a dozen new arrivals last month, with the number boosted by the birth of a litter of piglets.

In the Family Farm section of the zoo, a Tamworth pig called Ginger gave birth to nine piglets, five males and four females.

The zoo also welcomed its first-ever blackbuck calf, a female which, despite the name, is fawn-coloured. Blackbucks are a species of antelope and Dublin Zoo says they are one of the fastest land animals in the world – capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometres an hour.

Ciaran McMahon of Dublin Zoo said that the new blackbuck calf “is a great start” to the zoo’s plan to increase their herd. McMahon said that though shy, the calf is “fit and nimble” and can be seen zipping around the zoo’s elephant habitat.

The fifth Sulawesi-crested macaque to be born at the zoo arrived in May. McMahon said:

Macaques are an endangered species and it is a real accomplishment that our troop is growing so fast. We have a cohesive group of 12 macaques who can regularly be seen grooming and spending time with each other.

In photos: Check out May’s arrivals at Dublin Zoo: