KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — What's black and white and absolutely adorable?
Zoo Knoxville's newest baby zebra, of course!
The zoo announced on social media that the Hartmann's Mountain zebra foal was born on March 24 to its mom, Lydia, and dad, Die Toekoms.
“When we made the decision to bring Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra to Knoxville in 2018, it was because we knew we could help contribute to a healthy and stable population,” said Petty Grieve, curator of Africa Grasslands and Asian Trek. “We are excited for the success of our program and this foal will be an important part of the future.”
The foal is the second mountain zebra born in Knoxville, according to the zoo. It is nursing and healthy.
The zoo staff does not know its gender yet because they are giving it time to bond with its mom, according to the post.
Zoo Knoxville said it is one of only 19 zoos in the country that work with this species as part of a collaboration of zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to save them from extinction.
The post said the Hartmann's Mountain zebra is native to Angola, Namibia and South Africa, and wild mountain zebra populations rebounded from “Endangered” status to “Vulnerable” in 2008.
While the population has increased in recent years, the zoo said they are still threatened by drought and face a future population reduction of at least 30% within the next 33 years (three generations) if more severe droughts occur.
