Whipsnade Zoo, located in the United Kingdom, is home to the endangered Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi), which is listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List with less than 2,000 breeding male and females left in the Horn of Africa, where they are found in the wild. The zoo is actively involved in a collaborative global breeding programme for the species, and the recent birth of a Grevy’s zebra foal named Zinabi, which means raindrop in the Ethiopian language of Amharic, is a significant addition to the programme.
The Arrival of Zinabi: A Raindrop of Hope
Zinabi was born on a rainy day, which is a cause for celebration in Ethiopia and other African countries where the species hails from, as raindrops are a good thing in areas where there is extreme drought caused by climate change, putting both human and animal lives at risk. Zinabi is a perfect miniature of his mother, Henna, with oversized ears and his own unique black and white stripe pattern.
Unique Characteristics of Grevy’s Zebra
Grevy’s zebras are the largest wild equid and have much narrower stripes than other two species of zebra. They are generally social animals, and a herd of zebras can be known as a dazzle. Just as every human has a unique set of fingerprints, every zebra has a unique stripe pattern. Zebras are hindgut fermenters, which means their digestive systems are adapted to tackle highly fibrous plants, including grass, twigs and bark. Like other hoofed animals, zebras have locking joints, which allows them to subconsciously lock their knees into position and doze without worrying about falling over.
Threats Facing Grevy’s Zebra in the Wild
In the wild, Grevy’s zebras face a slew of threats, from habitat loss due to development, degradation to grazing land from livestock, hunting, as well as disease from unvaccinated livestock. ZSL, the international conservation charity behind Whipsnade Zoo, is helping to protect threatened species across the world, including Grevy’s zebras, funded by visits to the conservation zoo.
Visiting Whipsnade Zoo and Supporting Conservation
Visitors to Whipsnade Zoo can get closer to more than 11,000 animals, including the Grevy’s zebra herd, and every ticket supports ZSL’s work for wildlife. Or join as a member and watch Zinabi grow up with unlimited visits for a whole year. Show your support for zebras with a gift from the online shop, as every purchase helps to fund vital conservation work around the world.
Key Facts about Whipsnade Zoo Zebra
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Species | Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) |
| Conservation Status | Endangered |
| Population in the Wild | Less than 2,000 breeding individuals |
| Habitat | Horn of Africa |
| Unique Characteristics | Largest wild equid, narrower stripes, unique stripe pattern |
| Digestive System | Hindgut fermenters, adapted to fibrous plants |
| Herd Behavior | Social animals, known as a “dazzle” |
| Threats | Habitat loss, degradation, hunting, disease from livestock |
| Conservation Efforts | Breeding program at Whipsnade Zoo, supported by ZSL |
References:
- https://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/23705755.endangered-grevys-zebra-foal-born-whipsnade-zoo/
- https://www.whipsnadezoo.org/zoo-stories/news/whipsnade-zookeepers-celebrate-birth-endangered-grevys-zebra
- https://www.whipsnadezoo.org/whats-here/animals/grevys-zebra
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98TPVNm5HgQ
- https://www.thecomet.net/news/23705755.endangered-grevys-zebra-foal-born-whipsnade-zoo/