The National Zoo and Aquarium’s zebra foal is welcomed to the fold … but she needs a name! Photo: National Zoo and Aquarium, Facebook.
It’s been a week of double celebrations at the National Zoo and Aquarium with the arrival of a new zebra foal – and the launch of a public competition to name her.
The playful female was born on 6 September, just a day before Father’s Day and on the same weekend her dad, Tambo, turned 15.
And in true ‘horse’ fashion, she was standing on her own four legs within hours (which may have dumbfounded a few visitors).
The National Zoo’s herd now numbers five zebras. Photo: James Coleman.
The foal’s mother, Johari, is doing well, and keepers say the youngster has already shown herself to be “very active and curious about her surroundings”. She has also struck up a quick bond with her half-sister, Thuli, who was the last foal born at the zoo.
The birth marks the 29th foal at the zoo and is part of its ongoing success in breeding and conservation programs. Senior staff say the latest arrival highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy population of plains zebras outside the wild.
But while the little zebra is already making a big impression, one thing is still missing – a name.
To celebrate, the zoo is inviting the public to help choose one. The rules are simple: suggested names must be in the Swahili language, begin with one of the letters Z, E, B, R or A, and come with their meaning explained.
The National Zoo is part of the national zebra breeding program. Photo: James Coleman.
To make a suggestion, ‘like’ the post on the National Zoo’s Facebook or Instagram pages, and submit a name suggestion via the link on the page.
The winner will receive a zoo day out for two, including a meeting with the zebra herd, a rhino encounter and general admission.
Entries close at 12 pm on Friday, 19 September, with the winning name announced a week later.
“With her lively personality and close family ties, she is sure to become a favourite among guests, and we cannot wait to see what name the community will choose for her,” the zoo says.
In the meantime, we went along to see the as-yet unnamed foal, and hear from Animal Care Manager and Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia Plains Zebra Species coordinator Sophie Dentrinos.
The National Zoo and Aquarium is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (except Christmas Day).
