First Grévy's Zebras Born at Zurich Zoo Mark Conservation Milestone

In a significant milestone for wildlife conservation, Zurich Zoo welcomed its first-ever Grévy's zebra births in early October 2025. Two healthy male foals were born just days apart, with the first arrival occurring on October 4th following a 13-month gestation period. The second birth followed shortly after on October 6th. Both births proceeded smoothly, marking a successful beginning to the zoo's Grévy's zebra breeding program. The new arrivals have already begun exploring their home in the Lewa savannah exhibit after an initial acclimatization period in the stable's quiet area.

The successful births represent a crucial achievement in the conservation of Grévy's zebras, which are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. With only 2,500 to 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild across Kenya and Ethiopia, every birth in captivity is vital for the species' survival. The zebras face multiple threats in their native habitat, including hunting for their distinctive fur and loss of natural habitat. Zurich Zoo's breeding program, part of international conservation efforts, demonstrates Switzerland's commitment to protecting endangered species.

Grévy's zebras, named after former French president Jules Grévy, are the largest and most distinctive of the three zebra species. They can reach an impressive shoulder height of up to 160 centimeters and measure three meters from head to tail. Distinguished from their relatives - the plains zebra and mountain zebra - by their narrow stripes and white belly, these magnificent creatures are adapted to life in arid savannahs. Their unique characteristics make them not only a fascinating species for zoological study but also particularly vulnerable to human pressures on their habitat.

The success story at Zurich Zoo is set to continue with a third Grévy's zebra birth expected in the coming days. All three pregnancies are attributed to Rashidi, the stallion who arrived from Lisbon in summer 2024, demonstrating successful integration into the zoo's breeding program. The smooth progression of the first two births has created optimism for the third upcoming arrival. These births not only contribute to the species' survival but also enhance Zurich Zoo's role in international conservation efforts, providing valuable experience and genetic diversity to the captive breeding population.