Riga Zoo welcomes a special striped resident for the first time

Riga Zoo has announced the arrival of a new Grevy's zebra foal, named Mia, born to mother Greta on the evening of June 27. This birth is a significant event, as it is the first time a Grevy's zebra foal has been born at the zoo.

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Although zebra foals have been born at Riga Zoo before, this is the first time a Grevy's zebra descendant has been born in Riga.

Mia is reportedly doing well, becoming increasingly confident, and is gradually exploring her savanna enclosure. Zebra foals are capable of standing and following their mothers shortly after birth, and Mia has quickly begun familiarizing herself with her surroundings. Her coat's stripes, initially a dark brown, will gradually turn black as she matures, distinguishing her from adult zebras.

Visitors can currently observe Mia and her mother in the outdoor savanna exhibit daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For the remainder of the day, they retreat to a private section of the enclosure for rest. The zoo may adjust viewing times based on the animals' well-being.

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The foal is growing well, becoming increasingly confident, and is gradually exploring the savanna exhibition.

The Grevy's zebra, the largest species of wild horse, is classified as endangered. Native to East Africa, primarily Kenya and Ethiopia, they inhabit savannas, semi-deserts, and scrublands. Grevy's zebras are well-adapted to arid conditions and can subsist on tough, fibrous grasses that other herbivores avoid. The species faces threats from hunting and habitat loss, making each birth a crucial contribution to conservation efforts.

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Grevy's zebra is the largest wild horse species and simultaneously the most endangered of the three zebra species found today.