Brookfield Zoo Welcomes Adorable Grevy Zebra Foal
- Brookfield Zoo has welcomed a new zebra foal, showcasing the remarkable ability of foals to stand shortly after birth.
- The foal can walk and run within its first hour of life, highlighting the adaptability of these animals.
- This joyful event adds to the zoo's efforts in conservation and the celebration of wildlife.
CHICAGO (CBS) — Brookfield Zoo in Chicago has introduced a charming new resident, a male Grevy zebra foal, born over the weekend to his eight-year-old mother, Nyota. Weighing 75 pounds at birth, the foal is now on display for visitors in one of the zoo's outdoor habitats. Joan Daniels, the associate vice president of animal care and conservation, expressed excitement about the birth, highlighting the dedication of the animal care team and the zoo's commitment to conserving endangered species. The arrival of the foal is particularly significant as it coincides with the anticipated birth of another Grevy zebra later this summer. Daniels noted that these births reflect the success of the Grevy's Zebra Species Survival Plan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a genetically diverse and sustainable population. The current population of Grevy zebras is estimated at just over 3,000, a stark decline from approximately 15,000 in the late 1970s. Grevy zebras are primarily found in central and northern Kenya, as well as in southern and northeastern Ethiopia. The foal is expected to stand within 15 minutes of birth and can walk and run within the first hour. Initially, it sports a unique wooly coat with light chocolate or russet stripes, which will evolve into the more recognizable black stripes by five months of age. The zoo notes that each zebra's stripe pattern is as unique as human fingerprints, adding to the charm of these magnificent animals.