Endangered Zebra Foals Frolic at Zoo Miami

On February 3rd, two endangered Grévy's Zebras were born at Zoo Miami!

The male and female foals were born after a gestation period of approximately 13 months. The female weighed in at a robust 115 pounds, while the male weighed a very healthy 110 pounds!

The mother of the female foal is 7-years-old and arrived at Zoo Miami from Zoo New England. The mother of the male is a 6-year-old that came from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. The father of both foals is an 18-year-old that formerly resided at White Oak Conservation Center in Northern Florida.  

After receiving a neonatal exam and having private time to bond with their mothers, both foals are now out on exhibit. The newborns have been exploring, running, and bucking throughout their exhibit: displaying their instinctive ability to move quickly, shortly after birth. This is the 21st and 22nd successful birth of this endangered species at Zoo Miami.

Photo Credits: Ron Magill / Zoo Miami

The Grévy's Zebra (Equus grevyi), also known as the Imperial Zebra, is the largest living wild equid and the largest and most threatened of the three species of zebra. Named after Jules Grévy, it is the sole extant member of the subgenus Dolichohippus. The Grévy's Zebra is found in Kenya and Ethiopia.

In addition to their larger size, they are distinguished from the other species of zebras by their large head and ears, along with their very thin stripes, which do not extend to the belly. They are found in very arid regions, in herds that can number from less than a dozen individuals to over 100. In captivity they can live to 20 years, but in the wild their lifespan is likely much less. They are listed as “Endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

More great pics below the fold!