Grévy’s Zebra Foal Named Bolt Makes His Debut at Brevard Zoo’s Expedition Africa Habitat

Grevy’s zebras are endangered in their native range

Brevard Zoo’s Grévy’s zebra herd has grown with the addition of a foal on August 4. The little one was confirmed to be a healthy male during a neonatal exam by the Zoo’s veterinary team. (Brevard Zoo image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Zoo’s Grévy’s zebra herd has grown with the addition of a foal last month. The little one was confirmed to be a healthy male during a neonatal exam by the Zoo’s veterinary team.

Grévy’s zebra, also known commonly as the imperial zebra, is the largest living species of wild equid and the most threatened of the three species of zebras, the other two being the plains zebra and the mountain zebra. It is found in parts of Kenya and Ethiopia.

The foal, who had been living behind-the-scenes with his mom, Iggy, made his debut in the Zoo’s Expedition Africa habitat, primarily visible by the Zoo’s Cape to Cairo Express train today.

“I am so excited for everyone to meet the newest member of our zebra herd,” Expedition Africa zookeeper Morgan said. “He is so special to us and is already enormously loved!”

A Brevard Zoo spokesperson said every birth is special at the Zoo, but it’s extra impactful when an offspring of an endangered species is born.

Grevy’s zebras are endangered in their native range, and this birth contributes to a healthy safeguard population in human care through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Bolt and Iggy will have access to the trainyard habitat daily, which they will share with the Zoo’s Ankole-Watusi cattle, dromedary camel, Eastern bongo, and impala. This habitat is accessed through the Zoo’s Cape to Cairo Express train, which is a separately ticketed adventure. (Brevard Zoo image)

This birth is also significant on a personal level for the Zoo’s Africa team after the loss of the Zoo’s stallion, Bakari, last year. The team was overjoyed to learn that Bakari’s legacy would carry on with this offspring.

“It really makes us feel like part of Bakari is still with us,” Morgan said. “We can’t wait to see what traits from Bakari this baby will have.”

The foal is being lovingly called Bolt, a name that starts with the letter B, in honor of Bakari, by his animal care team.

Bolt and Iggy will have access to the trainyard habitat daily, which they will share with the Zoo’s Ankole-Watusi cattle, dromedary camel, Eastern bongo, and impala.

This habitat is accessed through the Zoo’s Cape to Cairo Express train, which is a separately ticketed adventure.

Brevard Zoo is home to more than 800 animals representing 170 species from all over the world. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in the fields of animal wellness, education, and conservation.

More information is available at BrevardZoo.org.

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