Dublin Zoo Celebrates the Arrival of First Zebra Foal in 23 Years

The staff members of Dublin Zoo are celebrating the arrival of a zebra foal, born September 2. It has been 23 years since a common zebra was born in the zoo.

In a latest announcement, Dublin Zoo revealed its latest edition - the female zebra foal.

The unnamed female zebra foal was born to mother Wiesje. Weighing 50 kg, the healthy foal is seen developing a strong bond with her Wiesje, who according to the zoo authorities is playing the role of new mother very well.

Team leader Helen Clarke- Bennett said, "We are delighted with the birth of the zebra foal. The mother was pregnant when she arrived at Dublin Zoo so we were extremely excited about the prospect of the birth as it has been 23 years since a zebra foal was born at Dublin Zoo. Mother and foal are doing brilliantly. We look forward to watching the foal grow and develop with the rest of the zebra herd."

Also known as Grant's zebra, the common zebra population is widespread - ranging from the South of Ethiopia through east Africa and stretches across Botswana and eastern South Africa. They can be easily recognized by their bold pattern of black and white stripes. After a gestation period of 11-13 months, a single foal is born.

This news comes at a time when the Como Zoo announced it was thrilled to welcome not one, but two baby zebras, that were born to mother Thelma there. The zebra babies, born on Sunday morning, are seen walking strong and close to their mother.