Zebra Foal Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park (Photos, Video)

Hi everyone!

Disney announced that a new Hartmann’s zebra foal was born early Saturday morning to first-time mom Heidi at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. While Walt Disney World is temporarily closed, the animal care team is busy – not only with the current animals, but the babies that are being born. It is nice to hear good news from the Disney parks! The foal (a girl, not yet named) was born as part of the Species Survival Plan program, weighs about 65 pounds, and was standing within 30 minutes of birth. Disney says that in a few weeks, once they develop a strong bond, they will be introduced together to the Kilimanjaro Safaris savannah. This is the third zebra birth this year at Walt Disney World!

Disney shared a video and then a few photos below of the beautiful addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney says about the birth, Heidi is showing she’s a natural at parenting skills, as she stays close to her baby to bond with her and nurse. #DidYouKnow that bonding is especially important, as a young zebra will imprint on its mother’s scent and memorize the unique markings on its mother’s hind legs to tell her apart from the rest of the herd?

Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks says that Hartmann’s mountain zebras are found in sub-Saharan Africa and are a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting. To learn more about zebras and other species they are working to protect, visit DisneyAnimals.com and follow him on Instagram: @DrMarkAtDisney.

Congratulations to Disney on the new addition.