But mom won’t let admirers get close

An endangered Grevy’s zebra has been born at Zoo Miami. Just don’t try to get too close, because his mom is not having it.

Born on Thursday, the foal made its debut at the zoo’s zebra exhibit Tuesday — and zoo spokesman Ron Magill set out to get some pictures of the newborn with his mother, whose name is Freda.

He captured some adorable, postcardworthy shots. But he also got a good one when Freda went into full-on protective parent mode when another young zebra got too close to the little guy.

Teeth bared, ears back and eyes blazing, Freda meant business. Magill said the protective streak will probably last a few days.

According to Magill, it was the 17th successful birth of a Grevy’s zebra at Zoo Miami.

“It’s great,” Magill said. “It makes us feel like we’re doing the right thing.”

The foal was born to Freda, who is 4 years old, after a gestation period of 13 months and weighed in at 102 pounds, which is normal, Magill said. The father is Andy, who is 17.

The foal, who doesn’t yet have a name, already has a personality, Magill said. “The guy’s pretty rambunctious,” he said. Magill said Grevy’s zebras are found in the horn of Africa. The largest species of zebra, Magill said, they differ from other species of zebras because of their large head and ears, as well as their thin stripes.

“They’re endangered because of habitat destruction and poaching,” he said.

At the zoo, Magill said the response from patrons has been noticeable.

“A lot of oohing and ahhing, a lot cameras, a lot of shutters clicking,” Magill said. “It’s a beautiful animal to photograph.”

The zebra foal, who doesn’t have a name yet, weighed in at 102 pounds.