Endangered zebra Manilow born at safari park

Safari park staff said they were "over the moon" with the arrival of a Grevy's zebra foal after what they said had been a long wait.

Male foal Manilow was born at West Midlands Safari Park to 14-year-old mum Akuna after a 13-month pregnancy.

Keepers at the Bewdley site said the birth on 19 October had been "extra-special," as Grevy's zebra numbers in the wild were dwindling, with numbers estimated at about 3,000.

The birth of a zebra foal was a "significant moment for the conservation efforts" of an endangered species, the safari park said, adding mum and foal were thriving.

The name Manilow was chosen as all animals born at the site this year will have names starting with M.

It also "worked well alongside his big sister's name, Lola," keepers said.

Head keeper of ungulates Lisa Watkins said: "Every birth is important, as these zebras are endangered in the wild, with 90% 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."

The park hoped people would get to see him "out on the safari soon," depending on the weather.

Grevy's are the largest of all zebras and have bigger ears.

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