Zebra Gives Birth in Front of Guests at Marwell Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: October 6, 2021 7:25 pm

The grevy’s zebra foal born at Marwell Zoo explores its paddock

Photo Credit: PhotosByGemma

Visitors at Marwell Zoo were given an extra treat as they witnessed the birth of a grevy’s zebra foal in the zoo’s Wild Explorers paddock.

Mother, Ellen gave birth to the healthy foal as the onlookers and keepers watched in awe. Keepers were able to answer the questions of guests during the 30 minute labor.

The grevy’s zebra foal born at Marwell Zoo enjoys a cuddle with mom, Ellen

Photo Credit: PhotosByGemma

Ellen and her as yet unnamed foal are said to be doing well. Keepers are yet to determine the gender of the new arrival.

Marwell Zoo’s Hoofstock Team Leader Tim Rowlands, said: “We knew Ellen was soon to be expecting so we have been monitoring her and allowing her access to the paddock and the indoor area.”

“Zebra normally like to do their own thing and take themselves away, so giving birth in the middle of the afternoon in front of a crowd of guests isn’t common but she wasn’t concerned by the interest and it was a very smooth delivery with the healthy foal arriving in around half an hour. The foal is enjoying exploring, though is still staying close to its mother, who is the dominant female of the herd and is being very protective,” finished Rowland.

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Each new grevy’s zebra is a welcome addition with just 3,000 remaining in the wild, making them one of Africa’s rarest animals. They are restricted to small areas in Kenya and Ethiopia.

With the new arrival the herd at Marwell Zoo now includes 6 members. Marwell have heled with the creation of a national conservation strategy for the grevy’s zebra in Kenya.

The zoo also manage the International Studbook and the European Ex situ Programme (EEP) for Grevy’s zebra.