Summary of Welcoming Our Newest Baby Zebra:
Brevard Zoo has welcomed its third zebra foal, a female born to 19-year-old Grévy’s zebra Zonka on May 26. The foal weighed 83 pounds at three days old but faced some initial health challenges that kept the zoo from announcing the birth earlier. The zoo’s animal care team will continue to monitor the foal to ensure her well-being. The foal’s sire, 10-year-old Bakari, arrived at the zoo in 2020 as a Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation. Grévy’s zebras are endangered due to habitat loss, human hunting, and competition for resources with domestic hoofstock; arriving at each foal is critical in conserving the species.
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Summary:
– Brevard Zoo is excited to welcome their third zebra foal born to nineteen-year-old Grévy’s zebra, Zonka, on May 26.
– The female foal weighed 83 pounds at just three days old.
– Zonka behaves like a protective mother, and the animal care staff at Brevard Zoo will closely monitor the foal’s well-being.
– Grévy’s zebras are endangered due to human hunting, habitat loss, and competition for resources with domestic hoofstock, making this birth all the more critical.
– Animal enthusiasts can expect more updates as Brevard Zoo continues to monitor the foal and her progress.
It’s a girl! Brevard Zoo has welcomed their newest addition to the animal family: a little female foal born to nineteen-year-old Grévy’s zebra, Zonka, on May 26. This is exciting news since Grévy’s zebras are an endangered species, and this birth marks a significant contribution to their conservation.
The little foal is already making headlines, weighing 83 pounds at three days old. Staff members at Brevard Zoo conducted a neonatal exam to ensure the foal was healthy. Animal Curator Chelsea Herman shared that Zonka is a protective and loving mother while the animal care team watches the newborn.
Brevard Zoo has been closely monitoring Zonka over the past few months after suspecting she was pregnant due to fetal movements and weight gain. With this being Zonka’s third foal, she is a seasoned mother who knows how to care for her baby. It is inspiring to see how protective she is of her newborn.
This birth is a significant milestone for Brevard Zoo and animal enthusiasts alike, as Grévy’s zebras are endangered. Habitat loss, human hunting, and competition for resources with domestic hoofstock have brought the species to the brink of extinction. The fact that Brevard Zoo’s animal care team, in collaboration with the Species Survival Plan (SSP), has successfully bred a healthy newborn Grévy’s zebra foal has brought hope to the conservation of this species.
Bakari, the foal’s sire, arrived at Brevard Zoo in 2020 as a Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation. SSPs are vital in managing the populations of animals within AZA-accredited zoos to ensure healthy, genetically diverse groups. Breeding recommendations are often given to zoos by the SSP, and they are based on maximizing genetic diversity, maintaining robust populations, and ensuring adequate representation of a given species.
Brevard Zoo plays a vital role in conservation efforts, so animal enthusiasts eagerly await updates on the newborn foal. Zonka and her baby will stay behind the scenes to bond, with the animal care team monitoring their progress. The Grévy’s zebras, in their natural range, typically separate themselves from the herd after giving birth, and the team at Brevard Zoo is mimicking that behavior as closely as possible. This bonding period is critical for the mother and foal to form a close bond to ensure the foal’s well-being and growth.
As per Brevard Zoo’s animal care policy, Zonka and her foal will be slowly introduced to the other zebras in the coming weeks. For now, the public must wait to view the adorable newborn. In the meantime, Brevard Zoo will share photos of the newborn behind the scenes with the animal care team, which are incredibly heartwarming and inspiring.
Lastly, Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for operating costs. Their vital animal wellness, education, and conservation programs rely on the generous support of the community. Therefore, every contribution helps keep the zoo running and provides visitors with an educational and enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, the arrival of the new foal is excellent news and a beautiful reminder of the impact of successful animal breeding programs. Zonka and her foal receive the best possible care from Brevard Zoo’s animal care staff and will continue to be monitored as they bond. As Brevard Zoo continues to provide updates on its progress, animal enthusiasts can look forward to enjoying a glimpse into the lives of these magnificent creatures.
