Endangered animal born at West Midlands tourist attraction after 13-month pregnancy

A new ‘endangered’ animal arrival was welcomed at a West Midlands tourist attraction just days ago after a 13-monh pregnancy. The Grevy's zebra, the largest wild equid (horse family) in the wild has seen numbers dwindle with just around 3,000 believed to live outside of captivity.

But a new addition, arrived for 14-year-old mum, Akuna, at West Midlands Safari Park last Saturday (October 19). The male foal arrived in the early hours after more than a year’s wait.

Grevy's zebras are the most threatened of the three species of zebras and are listed as ‘endangered’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The new foal has been called Manilow or Manny for short.

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Head keeper of ungulates at the Bewdley attraction, Lisa Watkins, said: “We are all over the moon with the safe arrival of a Grévy's zebra foal after what has been a long wait. Every birth is important, as these zebras are endangered in the wild, with 90 per cent of the population being found in northern Kenya.

“Threats include hunting, habitat loss and in recent years severe drought. They are one of Africa’s most endangered large mammals."

Manilow or Manny for short - a rare Grevy zebra - has been born at West Midlands Safari Park after his mum, Akuna's, 13-month pregnancy
Manilow or Manny for short - a rare Grevy zebra - has been born at West Midlands Safari Park after his mum, Akuna's, 13-month pregnancy -Credit:MATTHEW LISSIMORE

Ms Watkins continued: “All animals born at the park this year, will have names beginning with the letter ‘m’, so we have decided to call him Manilow, which keepers thought worked well alongside his big sister’s name, Lola.

“Both mum and foal are thriving and Manilow is getting used to his surroundings, plus Lola, is delighted to have a playmate. We hope that guests will get to see them out on the safari soon, weather dependent.”

Grevy zebra, Manilow, is mum Akuna’s third foal and will share his home with his sister, Lola
Grevy zebra, Manilow, is mum Akuna’s third foal and will share his home with his sister, Lola -Credit:MATTHEW LISSIMORE

The Worcestershire park’s Grévy's zebra are part of an EEP (European ex-situ programme), a ‘collaborative effort’ between European wildlife parks and zoos that aims to conserve endangered species. As part of this programme, the park has donated funds to the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, to help with conservation efforts in the wild, such as sending funds for the ‘special drought hay appeal’.

In the coming weeks, the next step for Manilow is to be introduced to his new neighbours, who share his home on the safari, which includes white rhinos, antelope, Congo buffalo and giraffe. The Grevy’s zebras can be seen on the four-mile Safari Drive, which is included in the admission charge the park said.