A rare breed foal more endangered than a giant panda has taken up residence in Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire.

Huxley, a Suffolk Punch, was born in April to his dam Eugenie and is an important addition to the estate’s rare breeding program.

The couple have now returned from the stud farm to the barnyard where they are charming visitors and employees.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust considers Suffolk Punch horses to be critically endangered.

There are currently less than 500 purebred Suffolk horses registered in the UK, and Eugenie is one of 72 Suffolk Hallmarks.

Rachel Kearsey, Farm Team Member, said: “The Farm Team is delighted to welcome Eugenie and Huxley back. Eugenie was delighted to be back in the farmyard – neighing with excitement when the trailer redeemed her in the backyard.

Huxley was a huge hit with visitors. He was very shy at first, but his cheeky personality shines through now. “

Huxley and Eugenie spend their day in the farmyard at the entrance to the farmyard and spend the evenings in the barnyard enclosures.

Chatsworth Farmyard is home to a number of the country’s rarest cattle and equine breeds including Suffolk Punch horses, Shire horses, Albion cattle, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Bagot goats and Cream Legbar chickens, as well as British Landrace pigs and Eriskay ponies.

Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) granted RBST accreditation to Chatsworth Farmyard earlier this year, recognizing its significant contribution to the conservation of some of the rarest animal and horse breeds native to the UK.