Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Zebra Baby on Exhibit

A male Grevy’s zebra born at Reid Park Zoo on August 31 will be on exhibit for the first time this morning. Mom and baby spent several days behind-the-scenes under careful observation. The young zebra had a low birth weight, but he is now nursing, gaining weight, and ready to explore the larger habitat. Zoo staff and Veterinarian will continue to keep a close eye on this first time mom and her offspring for the next several critical months as he gains strength. He will be on exhibit this morning for an undetermined length of time, and may return to his behind-the-scenes area in the afternoon, or whenever Zoo Keepers feel he needs additional rest. The Grevy's zebra, Equus grevyi, is an endangered species with as few as 2,500 remaining in the wild. Reid Park Zoo is an active participant in the Species Survival Plan, which works to protect this species through captive breeding and education programs. Over 35 US zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) participate in the joint conservation efforts of the Species Survival Plan. The Zoo is open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. For additional information guests can call 791-4022 or visit the Zoo’s website at tucsonzoo.org.