Zebra foal born at Hamilton Zoo

Hamilton Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its zebra herd, with the recent birth of a female foal.

The Plains Zebra foal was born on 16 June to mother Mimi, who was born at Hamilton Zoo in 1992, and father Bwana, who was transferred to the facility from Adelaide Zoo in 2004.

Hamilton Zoo Director Stephen Standley said while zebra births are not uncommon at the zoo, the facility had experienced a 'lull' from 2003 to 2008 while it sourced a new breeding male and waited until he had reached breeding age.

"Since then Bwana has fathered three foals so it is great to see our zebra breeding programme has picked up momentum once again," said Mr Standley.

"We are always excited when there is a birth at the zoo as babies add another dimension to their family units and prove to be a favourite amongst zoo visitors."

The foal, which has been named Lindiwe, is currently on display alongside the rest of the zebra herd in the zoo's savannah exhibit.

The most common and geographically widespread of zebra species, Plains Zebra are classified as 'least concern' by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), despite hunting and habitat destruction causing a substantial reduction in their numbers.

Lindiwe's birth comes just seven weeks after the birth of a male white rhino calf at Hamilton Zoo. The calf was the fourth white rhino to be born at Hamilton Zoo and the sixth to ever to born in New Zealand. A name for the calf is currently being sought through a naming competition run by children's television programme What Now.