It's A Girl! LA Zoo Celebrates Endangered Zebra Birth

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Zoo Monday celebrated the birth of first zebra foal to be born there in more than 30 years.

The yet to be named baby girl was born April 2, and both of her parents are part of a herd brought to the zoo in 2016 to increase the genetic diversity of the Grevy's zebra, which is endangered in the wild.

"Grevy's zebras are the largest and most threatened of the three zebra species," said Alisa Behar, curator of mammals at the Los Angeles Zoo. "When this herd of zebras came to us a few years ago as part of a species survival plan, it was with the hope that they would get along and produce offspring. We are thrilled with the arrival of this female foal, not only because she helps contribute to her species' survival, but also because she allows Angelenos a unique opportunity to see a zebra foal up close as she assimilates into the herd."

The species is in danger of extinction because of habitat destruction, reduced access to watering holes, and competition with livestock, according to zoo officials.

"The zebra foal’s relationship with its mother is extremely important. After a gestation period of 13 months, the foal is born and is walking on its own within 20 minutes," according a statement by zoo spokeswoman April Spurlock. "However, the mother will remain close to her offspring, walking around her newborn so it will memorize the black and white striped pattern on her body. This maternal instinct allows imprinting to occur. Imprinting is the ability to recognize another animal as a parent and build habitual trust. Foals will nurse for six months and will remain with their mothers for two to three years until they reach sexual maturity."

According to zoo officials, Grevy’s zebras inhabit semi-arid and open scrub grasslands of southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya, and males can weigh as much as 990 pounds. They have a lifespan of roughly 18 years.

Guests are encouraged to view the zebra foal and her mother in their habitat daily, weather permitting, but the herd will have alternating access to the habitat.