KAZAKHSTAN: Endangered Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, native to Namibia and Angola, gives birth to foal for first time in history of Almaty zoo
- 00:00:16
- ITN Source
KAZAKHSTAN: Endangered Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, native to Namibia and Angola, gives birth to foal for first time in history of Almaty zoo
Arrival of a 'star' is always an important and exiting event accompanied by the fuss of reporters and cameramen. Almaty zoo in Kazakhstan is no exception to the rule. The arrival of baby zebra 'Merey' into the world has become a real event at the zoo not only for staff, but the whole community. The name 'Merey' means 'long-awaited' in Kazakh language and was not chosen lightly, as her mother sadly had two miscarriages before giving birth to her. "You know, we are very happy in Almaty zoo. Hartman zebra has given birth for the first time in history of our zoo. Our baby girl was born on June 9 at 0500 in the morning," said Jannat Akhmetova, Almaty zoo director. Akhmetova couldn't hide her emotions when talking about the baby zebra and she has a strong reason to be proud of her zoo. "It is unique and it is for the first time. Fist of all, unless you create conditions close to the natural wild life in a zoo, and those are spacious open air cages and food, they breed rarely in captivity. As Almaty zoo managed to create proper living conditions for Hartmann's and Chapman's zebras we have got an offspring," she said. The new celebrity, baby zebra 'Merey' is in the centre of attention of children and their parents, journalists and even of those who used to come to here for an exotic camel ride, one of the attractions of the zoo. A Hartmann's Mountain Zebras, native to Namibia and Angola, are considered endangered in their native habitat, with only around 5,000 living in fragmented patches. In fact, only 362 Hartmann's zebra can be found within 47 zoos worldwide. In the U.S., nine zoos and private facilities care for the country's 244 Hartmann's zebra. Twenty years ago, more than 50,000 Hartmann's zebra were found in south-western Africa. Today, experts estimate there are only about 5,000 of the animals living in disconnected pockets in the western regions of Namibia. Moreover, the Namibian government currently restricts animals from leaving its borders. Hartmann's zebra have several characteristics that clearly differentiate them from the Gravy's zebra. One of the most noticeable features is their wide black rump stripes. A gridiron pattern on their backs also helps distinguish them. In addition, Harman's are the only zebra species to have a pouch, known as a dewlap, beneath their chin.
ITN Source | June 23, 2006
