Zookeepers are celebrating after a healthy endangered Grevy’s zebra was born in Hampshire.
Mother Imogen gave birth to the female foal at Marwell Zoo in the early hours of Friday, October 12, at the Wild Explorers exhibit.
Keepers say both mother and the yet-to-be-named foal are doing “very well”.
Ian Goodwin, the zoo’s animal collection manager for hoofstock, said: “Imogen is looking after her foal very well. It’s great to watch her exploring her new surroundings at Wild Explorers, where we highlight the conservation work we carry out in Africa.
“Our new arrival is a very important and welcome addition to the endangered species breeding programme.”
The Grevy’s zebra has suffered a drastic population decline caused by climate change, habitat loss and competition with increasing livestock numbers.
Mr Goodwin added: “Since 2003, Marwell Wildlife has been working with partners in northern Kenya to conserve Grevy’s zebra.
“Marwell also manages the International Studbook and the European Ex situ Programme (EEP) for Grevy’s zebra.”
Grevy’s zebra are the largest wild equid, mammals of the horse family, which includes horses, asses and zebras. They are found in the semi-arid bushland of Ethiopia and northern Kenya and are adapted to the harsh conditions as they only need to drink every two to five days.
