Taronga Western Plains Zoo Welcomes New Zebra Foal

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 20, 2020 2:29 pm

Obi with his mother Kioni at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

A zebra foal was born overnight at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Australia on November 15th 2020. Mother Kioni safely gave birth to the colt, her seventh. The father of the calf is Bwana who no longer lives at the zoo having moved to Taronga Zoo in Sydney earlier in the year.

Keepers have selected the name Obi for the foal which means heart in the Igbo language of Nigeria.

“Both mum and her foal are doing extremely well. Obi is very stable on his feet and moving around the paddock alongside Kioni,” said Keeper Carolene Magner.

Obi the zebra foal is one of the latest arrivals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Kioni is described as very maternal and protective by keepers. She ensures that the foal stays close by to be fed and to keep him safe.

“The foal is not venturing too far from mum’s side but that is very normal as Kioni is quite protective and keeping the other herd members at a safe distance. The other females in the group are very interested in the new foal but Kioni is ensuring he stays close by her side at present,” said Carolene.

“We are very happy with how he is progressing over his first week and look forward to watching him grow and develop, and eventually interacting with the other herd members.”

“Mornings are a great time to see Obi as he is most active then, and like most newborns will have a burst of energy and then take a nap,” finished Carolene.

Obi the zebra foal is one of the latest arrivals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

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With the arrival of Obi Taronga Western Plains Zoo is now the home of 11 zebras. These live across three herds. Obi and his mother are part of the breeding herd, a small herd live on the African savanna and a bachelor group live next to the giraffe herd.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to plains zebras, one of the three zebra subspecies found in the wild. They are listed as near threatened due to competition with livestock, hunting for their meat and the impact of drought.

The foal was born after a 12-13 month gestation period.