The Magnetic Hill Zoo has welcomed two zebras to its family.
Director Jill Marvin says they arrived this week from the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.
“LeeLoo is a female and she is about seven years old. Koffee is a gelding and is three years old. There are actually five different subspecies, and there are three different types of zebras. So maybe people don’t realize that throughout the continent of Africa and in the various countries, you can see a variety of zebras. The striking black and white markings are just incredible, and each animal has individual markings.”
The two became a bonded pair in Saskatoon after a decision was made not to reintroduce them to the other herd.
“Zebra males can become very territorial, especially within a herd setting,” says Jeff Mitchell, Saskatoon Forest Farm Park and Zoo Manager.
All required permits, veterinary checks and documentation were completed before transferring the zebras. They were transferred by a licensed, approved animal transport company and arrived safely in Moncton on Monday evening.
Marvin says they work closely with other accredited zoos to properly house animals that can be ambassadors for their species.
“The zebras were in great condition and we let them out in their paddock. Visitors can now see them in that area where they’ll remain for the next couple of weeks, getting adjusted to the new area, new sounds, new diets and new keepers,” Marvin says.
