ABILENE, Texas — The Abilene Zoo discovered the birth of a zebra foal the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, according to a press release.
The male foal is a first birth for his mother, Bishara, who was the most recent zebra to be born at The Abilene Zoo.
“The spunky newborn was seen trotting around the exhibit with his mother,” general curator Denise Ibarra said in the release. "Zebras in the wild are a prey species and must be able to eat and run within the first hour to keep up with its herd. Zoo staff observed this little guy for a few hours to ensure nursing was taking place.“
"The neonatal exam Thursday, Sept. 9, showed the foal received enough colostrum and antibodies from mom,” zoo veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Carle said in the release.
The exam included collecting blood, checking his temperature and disinfecting the umbilical cord. The foal weighed in around 60 pounds, which is more than 12 pounds over what his mother, Bishara, weighed at her birth in the fall of 2018.
Visitors can see the new foal on exhibit as he acclimates to his new surroundings and bonds with his mother.
Zebra, ostrich, and addax can be seen in this area of the zoo right across from the rhino exhibit.
Updates will be posted on the Abilene Zoo social media pages.
