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First images released of endangered zebra foal born at safari park

The species is the most endangered of the three types of zebra., article bookmarked.

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The first images of a newborn endangered zebra have been released after her mother’s 13-month pregnancy.

Lola , a Grevy’s zebra, was born on Friday at the West Midlands Safari Park to her 12-year-old mother, Akuna, who became pregnant in early 2022.

The species is listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and is the most threatened of the three species of zebra. It is also part of a collaborative breeding programme across Europe.

Angela Potter, head of wildlife at the park, said, “We are delighted to announce the birth of a beautiful female foal to our Grevy’s zebra mare, Akuna.

“This is her second foal and she is once again being a kind and attentive mother.

“Akuna was recommended to breed with male, Kees, as part of the European ex-situ breeding programme (EEP), so he made the journey to join us from Cologne Zoo in Germany , in October 2020.

“Every birth is important, as these zebras are ‘endangered’ in the wild with numbers estimated at around 3,000, with 90% of the population being found in northern Kenya.

“Threats in the wild include hunting, habitat loss and in recent years severe drought in range countries.

“They are one of Africa’s most endangered large mammals.

“The next steps for Akuna and her foal are that they will be mixed with our other female, Nafeesa, then will be let out onto the safari, where she will share her home with the white rhino, Congo buffalo and antelope.”

Lola’s birth comes as the safari park celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023, with visitors able to see the new arrival on the park’s drive-through safari.

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West Midlands zebras loving new life in Fife

Two endangered zebra from West Midlands Safari Park have become the stars of Fife Zoo's new animal enclosure.

Grevy zebras Marty and Jess were the first animals to move to Scotland for the European wide conservation programme which will help preserve the endangered species.

The two zebra made the 350 mile journey from West Midland Safari Park near Bewdley to make Fife Zoo their home with another pair of zebra, Allingham and Archie arriving from Edinburgh Zoo.

The pair are now enjoying their new zebra paddock which is giving guests at Fife Zoo the chance to get closer than ever before to the zebra.

Fife Zoo’s Director Mike Knight said ‘The zebra expansion offers new viewing points allowing our guests to get their best ever view of the existing and new zebra paddocks. We’re also hosting daily talks with our zoo keepers which will allow our customers to discover more about our four zebra and their wild counterparts in Kenya and Ethiopia.’

Fife Zoo have an existing collaboration with the Grevy’s Zebra Trust who work to safeguard endangered Grevy’s zebra from the threat of extinction in their natural habitat. Grevy’s zebra are the world’s most endangered species of zebra with only 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild.

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Second Grevy’s zebra born at West Midland Safari

For the second time in a month West Midland Safari Park is celebrating the arrival of a baby Grévy’s zebra.

The first foal, a female named Grace, arrived just three weeks ago, with the latest male making an appearance in the early hours of the morning on Sunday 12 August.

The birth of the two zebras is a first for the safari park and a great news for the European Endangered Species Programme, as this particular species of Grévy’s zebra is classified as ‘Endangered’ in the wild.

Born to first-time mum Montana after 13 months of pregnancy, keepers were delighted to find the adorable youngster already steady on his feet within an hour.

The new foal spent his first day on the Safari getting used to his surroundings, meeting his half-sister Grace and rest of the zebra herd, as well as some of the other residents, including a very inquisitive giraffe!

Lauren Goodman, African Ungulates Keeper, said: “We were delighted to discover that we had another addition to the Grévy’s zebra family over the weekend. He joins his half-sister, Grace, on the African Reserve and both are full of energy whilst exploring their new home. First-time mum, Montana, who came from Poland Zoo, had been looking very uncomfortable over the past few days, but she foaled with no problems at all.”

She continued: “This is not only great news for the Park, but also for the Grévy zebra as a species. With only approximately 3,000 left in the wild, they are classified as ‘endangered’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. We will take great pride in watching both of our new additions grow up over the coming months.”

The newborn is yet to be named, although keepers will choose a name beginning with ‘G’, as all babies born at the Park in 2018 will begin with this letter.

To help raise awareness for zebras, West Midland Safari park will be dedicating a week to these magnificent creatures. Grévy’s Zebra Week will run from 18-24 August, fundraising for the  Grévy’s Zebra Trust , who work with communities in Kenya and Ethiopia to engage them in wildlife protection.

For more information on visiting West Midland Safari Park go to  www.wmsp.co.uk  or telephone 01299 402114.

Discover Animals is a small team dedicated to bringing you the latest conservation and nature news. If you enjoy our content, please support our work with a donation from as little as £1.

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Families in shock after watching buffalo gore zebra to death at safari park

Bosses at the West Midland Safari Park described the death of a female zebra as "a freak accident" and say they are offering support to staff who tried to save the animal

• 09:16, 14 Sep 2020
• Updated 10:28, 14 Sep 2020

Families watched on in horror as a zebra was gored to death by a Congo buffalo at a UK safari park.

Parents say the female zebra was impaled by the animal during a fight over hay.

Bosses at the West Midland Safari Park described the death as "a freak accident".

Congo buffalo use their huge horns for fighting and protection and are highly dangerous to other animals.

Devastated staff who tried to save the zebra are being offered support.

A source at the park near Bewdley, Worcs, told the Sun : “Keepers were feeding the animals at the same time.

"A fight broke out and the cattle got its horn under the zebra.

Earlier this month, a family of four were rescued from the water after their boat capsized on a river rapid ride at the popular theme park - three years after a schoolgirl died in a similar accident.

It is understood a gran, a mum and two children were injured when a rubber boat flipped over on the Wild River Rafting attraction.

Emergency crews dashed to the location at 2.30pm after the family plunged into the water.

Eyewitness Georgia Hodgkiss, 22, watched in horror as the boat capsized as she waited in the queue for the ride.

She said: "I couldn't quite believe what was going on.

"I heard a loud noise like a screech almost and I turned and couldn't really tell at first what was going on and then I saw these girls coming out from underneath absolutely drenched looking quite confused.

A West Midland Safari Park spokesperson said:   “We can confirm that on Saturday 5 September an unexpected and very rare incident involving our Congo buffalo and plains zebra took place inside the Park’s reserve.

“These two species live together in a mixed exhibit and at no point were any safety gates left open. The freak accident occurred when the buffalo’s horn caught the zebra’s tummy.

"Sadly, and despite the very quick reactions of our wildlife team, the zebra involved has unfortunately passed away as a result of the injury she sustained.

“We are extremely saddened by the incident and are providing staff with any support they need.

“At no point was there any risk to the safety and wellbeing of our guests.”

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WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Families at West Midland Safari Park watch in horror as buffalo kills zebra in ‘freak accident’

The Congo buffalo and zebra were said to be 'fighting over hay' when the frightening incident happened

• 18:26, 14 SEP 2020

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Families were shocked as they witnessed a zebra gored to death by a buffalo at a Worcestershire tourist attraction.

Parents reported a zebra being attacked and impaled on a Congo buffalo’s horn at West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley earlier this month.

The incident is said to have been sparked by animals ‘fighting over hay’ in a shared enclosure, with children witnessing the horror unfold.

Congo buffalo use their horns to fight and for protection,and the zebra fell victim.

A witness told The Sun : “Keepers were feeding the animals at the same time.

"A fight broke out and the cattle got its horn under the zebra.

“Nobody could believe what they were watching.”

The park described the incident as a ‘freak accident’ and said the incident left staff upset.

A West Midland Safari Park spokesperson said, “We can confirm that on Saturday, September 5 an unexpected and very rare incident involving our Congo buffalo and plains zebra took place inside the park’s reserve.

“The freak accident occurred when the buffalo’s horn caught the zebra’s tummy. Sadly, and despite the very quick reactions of our wildlife team, the zebra involved has unfortunately passed away as a result of the injury she sustained.

“We are extremely saddened by the incident and are providing staff with any support they need.

“At no point was there any risk to the safety and well-being of our guests.”

The incident came a day another drama at the Worcestershire safari park when a boat flipped over on the Wild River Rafting ride on September 6.

Eyewitness Georgia Hodgkiss from Sutton Coldfield told Worcestershire Live : “"I heard a screeching sound and then a bang and saw this girl come out of the water. It looked like the boat she was in had completely overturned.

"There was an older woman who may have been a grandmother,a mum and two teenage girls.

"A woman sat down and she looked quite bad. I think she had a bit of a panic attack and looked a bit worse for wear.

“The staff closed the ride and got everyone out of the queue.

"It’s such a tame ride for something like that to happen on."

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A great  day out  for the whole family.

Get ready for an unforgettable day out that’ll have the whole family roaring with excitement!

Drive through four miles of awe-inspiring habitats, spotting majestic lions, giraffes, rhinos, tigers, and more. Explore walk-through areas featuring penguins, hippos, lemurs, sea lions, lorikeets, and meerkats. Don't miss the African Walking Trail for a close encounter with elephants, giraffes, and rhinos! Step into Tiger Tropics and Lion Ridge to meet nature's magnificent big cats. Explore the Land of the Living Dinosaurs exhibit and enjoy daily feeds and talks. 

It’s a day packed with fun, learning, and unforgettable memories for the whole family!

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This fantastic offer entitles the vehicle and online pre-paying occupants to an admission-only return visit to West Midlands Safari Park, within six months. Date restrictions apply. Find out more on our Free Return Ticket  page.

* Free Return Codes are ONLY sent to guests booking online in advance and are not included in the discounted group and school prices, Combi Tickets or special evening event tickets.

ESSENTIAL  COMPANIONS

West Midlands Safari Park has teamed up with Nimbus Disability, the administrators of the Access Card scheme, to oversee essential companion tickets and easy access eligibility.

To benefit, you must apply online through Nimbus Disability at least 7 days before your planned visit.

Successful applicants with a +1 qualify for a free Essential Companion Ticket, which can be booked online.

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Tesco vouchers can be used to purchase Admission tickets, at the Ticket Office on the day only. Please exchange your points for a voucher for West Midlands Safari Park and arrive with this voucher code to purchase tickets on the day.

Tesco Vouchers are not valid against any extras: animal food, guidebooks, ride wristbands, minibus tours, annual passes, or anywhere else in the Park. Tesco Vouchers are not valid against special events such as Santa Safari; upgrade fees apply to see Santa, subject to availability.

Tesco vouchers do not qualify for our free return offer.