|
The new baby zebra foals at the Phoenix Zoo are now known as: Amira and Kirafiki!
Thanks to everyone who cast their vote for their favorite set of names. Amira and Kirafiki
won by a landslide, receiving more than 35% of the votes.
The two female Grevy’s zebras are on display to the public along the Africa Trail. Amira and Kirafiki were born in April and already have more than doubled their birth weight. The names suit each foal perfectly reflecting their distinct personalities. Amira, daughter to Afiya, is very shy and doesn’t like to obey the keepers. Her mom is quick to put her in her place when the “princess” disobeys. Kirafiki, born to Masika, is extremely friendly, very easy going as well as out going. She is a great listener and is very independent. The foals love to run, play and chase each other and then love to take a great nap. They have even started cuddling up to each other at night.
Grevy’s zebras are endangered with less than 2,500 left in the wild due to loss of habitat, competition with livestock and poaching. As the largest zebra species, Grevy’s can be distinguished from other zebras by their longer legs, more narrow stripes, white, stripeless underbelly and large rounded ears. Grevy’s zebras are only found in northern Kenya and south eastern Ethiopia.
The Phoenix Zoo is dedicated to saving Grevy’s zebras through conservation in the wild and on Zoo grounds. The two female foals are the result of a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which ensures the genetic diversity of select species. The Phoenix Zoo is also a proud partner of the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, an organization dedicated to the conservation of Grevy’s zebras.
|
