The zoo’s latest addition is a female named Lyra, who was born November 29 weighing in at 97 pounds. Born in the zoo’s Expedition Africa to mother Nebula, Lyra, along with the rest of her family, sister Aurora, dad Mars, and other relatives Atlas and Calypso, will be on display at the zoo in their own habitat, weather permitting.
The smallest zebra species, the Plains zebras are listed as “near threatened” by the International Union of Conservation Nature due to its declining population in the wild. Visitors can learn more about zebra conservation and view Lyra during the zoo’s regular hours. Plus, families can time their visit to coincide with the OKC Zoo SAFARI LIGHTS display held nightly through early January.
In large venues, such as zoos, banner printing services are especially helpful to assist visitors in finding their way.
Bill Smith, Curator of Hoofstock at the OKC Zoo, commented on future zoo plans saying:
“Eventually, the zebra herd will merge with the wildebeest herd to showcase their symbiotic relationship. This will represent the great herd migrations seen on the savannas in Africa.”
Carrying their young longer than humans, the gestation period for zebras is between 11 and 13 months with foals capable of walking a mere 10 to 20 minutes after birth and able to run only an hour after being born.