VIDEO: Brevard Zoo Welcomes New Young Grévy’s Zebra After Losing Her Mother
By Space Coast Daily // July 26, 2016
ABOVE VIDEO: An extremely special animal has arrived at Brevard Zoo. Lauren, a two-year-old Grévy’s zebra from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, lost her mother at three weeks of age.
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – An extremely special animal has arrived at Brevard Zoo. Lauren, a two-year-old Grévy’s zebra from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, lost her mother at three weeks of age.
“Lauren’s situation is definitely unique and the staff at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay did a great job raising her,” said Michelle Smurl, director of animal programs at the Zoo.
“Zebras are very social animals and transitioning into a new herd is never easy but our keepers are always up for a challenge.”
Lauren has been successfully introduced to Iggy and Zonka, the two zebras that arrived together in early 2015, and the three white rhinos with which the habitat is shared.
“They still need to establish a hierarchy,” added Smurl, “so guests may see some biting and kicking, which is perfectly normal.”
Grévy’s zebras, which are considered “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, are native to parts of Kenya and Somalia.
Once found in Somalia, their range has been greatly reduced by habitat loss and competition with livestock.
