On July 17, a Plains Zebra foal was the 23rd of its species born at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo. It has been seen kicking up its heels, enjoying the grass and sunshine, when not sticking close to mom. While keepers have been unable to get near enough to tell it's gender, they believe it is a boy. Until they know, they will wait to name the energetic little one.
While this baby weighs about 70 pounds (32 kg) now, it will grow to weigh between 450 - 600 pounds (204-272 kg) and stand 4 - 4.75 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) at the shoulder. The stripes of Zebras differ between species. Plains Zebra typically form a Y shape in their midsection, (also called their saddle).
In the wild Plains Zebras live in southern and eastern African countries, such as Namibia, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique, inhabiting savannas, open woodland and forest areas. Their diets consist of a variety of long and short grasses, leaves and other vegetation. Plains Zebras face several threats including poaching and habitat loss due to human encroachment. Watering holes and rivers are especially dangerous due to the threat of hungry lions, hyenas, crocodiles and other predators.
