Cape May County Zoo Welcomes Baby Zebra

Our community has a new reason to visit the Cape May County Park & Zoo: a baby zebra born Wednesday, July 17, is now settling into life with the herd.

The Grant's zebra filly represents the fourth offspring for her mother, Lydia, who has become a regular contributor to the zoo's growing zebra population. The newborn's father is Ziggy, the herd's stallion, according to zoo officials.

Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the youngest member of the herd should expect to see her taking frequent naps throughout the day. Zoo staff emphasize that extensive rest periods are a crucial component of healthy development in newborn zebras. When she's awake, the filly can be observed nursing, staying near Lydia's side, and tentatively beginning to investigate her exhibit space alongside other herd members.

This particular variety of zebra originates from the grassland regions spanning central and eastern Africa, where they represent one type of Plains zebra. The species is known for remarkably rapid development after birth, following a gestation period lasting roughly 13 months.

Zoo officials note that zebra foals arrive into the world already well-developed, with the ability to stand on their own legs within minutes of being born. Within approximately one hour, these newborns can already run.

Despite these impressive physical capabilities, guests shouldn't be surprised if the filly isn't constantly active during their visit. The zoo reassures visitors that early-stage rest is perfectly normal behavior, and the young zebra will likely remain close to Lydia as she gradually becomes more comfortable exploring her environment with the rest of the herd.