Utica, NY – The Utica Zoo is sharing the exciting news-the birth of a female zebra. The Hartmann’s mountain zebra was born to Zecora on Saturday, July 30th. Zecora had been with a male zebra at her previous zoo, where they suspected successful breeding occurred. As gestation for this species is 12 months, zoo animal care and veterinarian teams have been closely monitoring Zecora’s behavior and development over the past several weeks. The birth of the foal occurred without any complications, the foal appears very healthy and Zecora is proving to be an AMAZING mother!
Interesting Facts:
Average Lifespan: 20 or more years. The oldest documented mountain zebra under human care was 29 years old.
Conservation Status: The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Specific current numbers are not known in the wild, but there are currently only 75 Hartmann’s mountain zebras housed under human care in the United States.
Zecora and her daughter, who is not yet named, are not currently visible on the exhibit’s visitor viewing year. Mom and baby are being allowed some close bonding time undisturbed in their holding barn and yard off exhibit. States Utica Zoo’s Deputy Director of Life Sciences Jay Pratte, “The birth of a baby zebra is always significant, moreso due to the rarity of this subspecies in accredited North American zoos. Zecora has been a staff favorite since her arrival last year, and her caregivers could not be more excited about this event. Everyone has fallen in love with our new little girl, even if only from pictures! Once we are confident that the foal is strong and stable enough to navigate the large zebra habitat, we will be happy to share her with everyone!”
In preparation for Zecora’s arrival in 2021, a new barn and outside yards were built complete with enrichment/training areas and space for an expanding herd. This major renovation for one of the Utica Zoo’s signature species was made possible with funding from the account of Brindisi For Congress, Russell Warner Trust/Ann Manion, and an annual contribution from the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties’ donor-advised fund in memory of Abagail Frietag. Additional renovations are planned for Rundue, the Hartmann’s mountain stallion who has a separate barn nearby in African Ridge. Anyone interested in supporting this continued growth for the Utica Zoo may email a.heath@uticazoo.org or call 315-738-0472 Ext. 41.
To stay up to date of all things zoo, visit www.uticazoo.org and follow the zoo’s social media sites.
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