Finding feet at zoo
The Hamilton Zoo’s latest addition is already running around and being admired.
A zebra foal was born a week ago to mother Zalika and stallion Malawi.
‘‘We are undetermined if it’s a male or female yet, but we should know in the next day or so,’’ ungulates team leader Aaron Gilmour said.
At that point, a naming competition will be launched.
‘‘We will have to wait around in the paddock or get a host to watch the zebras for a while and once it urinates, we will be able to see if it’s male or female, as it’s a bit hard to go lift its tail up and have a look,’’ Gilmour said.
The zookeepers let nature take its course during the birth of the foal and have been hands-off.
‘‘It was born inside a building, which was quite nice, as it wasn’t a very nice evening,’’ Gilmour said. ‘‘Zalika was still in close proximity to the other zebra.’’
It was born Monday night or Tuesday morning. By Tuesday afternoon, it was out in the savannah area and visitors could see it.
The new zebra is mixing well with the other animals in the savannah – the waterbuck, ostrich and blackbuck.
‘‘It’s a very strong little foal. It’s drinking lots and running around, so there’s no concern about its health at all.’’
This is the second foal for Zalika and Malawi.
Their first foal – a male named Kaabo – flew to Christchurch’s Orana Park on Thursday to join a breeding herd.
It is too early to decide if the new foal will remain with the zoo or if it will be needed in the breeding programme elsewhere. Hamilton Zoo has bred 28 zebras since 1997.
‘‘So we are spreading a lot of genetics around the regions to try to populate the zebra population a lot more,’’ Gilmour said, ‘‘and I guess to keep the species alive for future generations.’’
Zebras have a 12-month gestation. There will be another foal born soon, as the zoo’s other zebra mare, Marble, is due.
The Hamilton Zoo is having a naming competition for the foal.
‘‘I think it has to be appropriate to what we are doing. It would be nice if people did their research and came up with an African-type name that had a meaning to it, not just a random name that people pull out of a hat or those that want to name a zebra after themselves.
‘‘You do get some random names come through.’’
The zoo will launch the competition on Tuesday.