Endangered Grevy’s zebra foals make debut
Kids Free Month at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park will be extra special this year, after the birth of not one, but six endangered Grevy’s zebra foals – adding to San Diego Zoo Global’s ongoing effort to help preserve a population that is in steep decline.
San Diego Zoo Global has a long history with Grevy’s zebra conservation, and each birth is significant. In their native Africa, the Grevy’s zebra population has been ravaged by anthrax outbreaks, pushing their numbers down so drastically that conservationists now estimate just more than 2,250 individuals still survive. As a member of the Grevy’s Zebra Trust – an independent wildlife conservation organization – San Diego Zoo Global is working with other conservation groups to help safeguard and grow the population in Kenya.
“These six births are a major accomplishment because we want to make sure that we help support [Grevy’s zebras] potential to thrive,” said Selina Niblett, wildlife care specialist at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “Being able to participate in the breeding program and the Grevy’s Zebra Trust will really allow us to have a success story for this species.”
Guests visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park during Kids Free Month, presented by Mission Fed, will have a chance to see these young zebras – ranging in ages from 1 to 4 months – as they explore their habitat, by opting for a premium Cart Safari or Ultimate Safari experience. These Safaris – along with other new experiences, such as the Sun Up Cheetah Safari, Cabana Safari and Wildlife Safari – offer guests a chance to connect with wildlife on a closer level and learn how they can help San Diego Zoo Global save wildlife worldwide.
“The urgent nature of our work to save species remains unchanged, and the birth of these six endangered zebras is another step in ensuring that our work continues,” said Shawn Dixon, chief operating officer for San Diego Zoo Global. “The support of our members and our guests, especially during Kids Free, is a vital lifeline for the world’s extraordinary wildlife.”
Kids Free runs Oct. 1-31, 2020, with regular operating hours at the Zoo and the Safari Park, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. All guests younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid form of admission during their visit. For more details on Grevy’s zebras, Kids Free and available tours or safari experiences, visit SanDiegoZoo.org or SDZSafariPark.org.
