Endangered zebra born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: ‘We are overjoyed’

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Brookfield Zoo Chicago welcomed a new zebra to the world over the weekend, after 8-year-old zebra Nyota gave birth to a male foal.

The newborn zebra, which has not yet been named, weighs nearly 75 pounds and is thriving under his mother’s attentive care, zoo officials said.

Officials said there are three species of zebra known in the world: Grevy’s, mountain and plains zebras. This foal is a Grevy’s zebra, which is the largest and most threatened of the three species.

A Brookfield Zoo spokesperson said they expect a second Grevy’s zebra birth to take place at the zoo later this summer.

“We are overjoyed to welcome this new Grevy’s zebra foal,” said Joan Daniels, associate vice president of animal care and conservation. “Each birth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our animal care team and our commitment to the conservation of endangered species.”

Daniels said the births demonstrate “the success of the Grevy’s Zebra Species Survival Plan.”

In the 1970s, the population of Grevy’s zebras was nearly 15,000, but today, a Brookfield Zoo spokesperson said that number is just over 3,000.

There was a rapid decline in numbers in the ’70s after hunters began targeting Grevy’s zebra for their skins, but threats to the species now go beyond hunting and include: habitat degradation, reduction in water sources, infrastructure development, disease and poaching.

Brookfield Zoo guests can see the newborn foal in its enclosure, which is located on the north side of the zoo. See more photos of the foal below:

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