Grevy’s zebra born at Brookfield Zoo on July 7 with her mom, Kali. Grevy’s zebra born at Brookfield Zoo on July 7 with her mom, Kali. Grevy’s zebra born at Brookfield Zoo on July 7 with her mom, Kali. Grevy’s zebra born at Brookfield Zoo on July 7 with her mom, Kali.
There's a new kid on the block at Brookfield Zoo.
On Tuesday, a female zebra was born at the near west suburban zoo to mother Kali, 5, and father Nazim, 15.
The foal, weighing 100 pounds, is a Grevy's Zebra, the largest mammal of its type. According to a release from the zoo, newborn zebras can run up to 40 mph within an hour of birth.
“I was down there this morning, she’s really pretty cute,” said zoo spokeswoman Sondra Katzen. “She had a physical this morning and everything’s looking good. She’s got a good mom and she’s doing really well.”
Kali's pregnancy resulted from a pairing recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a Maryland-based nonprofit organization which focuses on conservation projects around the globe.
The Grevy’s Zebra has been designated a Species Survival Plan animal, which means that the breeding of the animal is carefully managed to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population.
"We are thrilled with this recent birth as it brings awareness about a species that is in need of conservation efforts," said Bill Zeigler of the Chicago Zoological Society in a release issued by the zoo, which is managed by the CZS.
Grevy's zebras are listed as endangered, with experts citing a population decline of 50 percent over the past two decades.
The birth on Tuesday marked the first addition of a Grevy's zebra at Brookfield Zoo since 1998.
The zoo is also looking forward to the birth of a baby Lowland Gorilla in the fall.
