THREE pocket-sized rock hyrax pups have made their public debuts at Chester Zoo.

Yet to be sexed or named the pups arrived to mum Daissie and dad Nungu on July 21 weighing just 250g – no heavier than a bar of soap.

Even though they are small in appearance they are more closely related to the elephant than any other species after evolving from a single common ancestor.

Rock hyraxes’ have two large incisor teeth that constantly grow like tiny tusks, just like an elephant, while the two species also have similar shaped feet and skull structure.

Small mammals often experience a short pregnancy period, but rock hyraxes are different, with their pregnancy lasting more than seven months.

The species’ young are well developed when born just like miniature adults.

Team manager of small mammals David White said: “Rock hyraxes have helped conservationists learn so much about the evolution of different animals, and how animals can evolve and adapt to the environments where they live – they really are special little creatures.

“Hyraxes are known for spending a large majority of their time lying out and basking in the sun, so mum Daissie and dad Nungu have certainly been run off their feet keeping up with these three little ones.”

In the wild rock hyraxes are known as ‘rock rabbits’ or ‘Dassies’ and can found in large colonies across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Scientists believe they even have their own form of language, using vocalisations in a particular tone and order to convey meaning.

They are known to live on rocky terrain where they used their moist and rubber-like soles which act like suction cups to grip and clamber down steep slopes.