Published: November 22, 2008 12:01 pm         

Zoo opens baby zebra name contest

The Frank Buck Zoo received a special delivery Sunday, Nov. 8.

Grants zebras and residents at the zoo, Zebbi and sire Zeppelin were responsible for the new addition, a foal born in the early morning hours.

The foal’s birth marks many firsts for the zoo, said Frank Buck Zoo director Susan Klevin. Zebbi is not only a first time mother, but her foal is the first zebra to be born at the zoo since her birth, 10 years ago. Zebbi was actually the first zebra to be born at the zoo.

As for the foal’s father, Zeppelin, Klevin said he was brought to the zoo last year from acreage on a Texas housing development.

Zebras usually tend to high strung creatures, Klevin said, these three actually seem pretty calm.

“Zebbi was raised many years with a donkey here at the zoo,” said Klevin. “Although we can’t actually pet her, she will let the keepers come close to her and I attribute all of that to the donkey.”

Klevin said she was also surprised by how the two adult zebras have responded to the new foal.

“Sometimes stallions feel threatened by a foal, but so far he hasn’t shown any aggression,” said Klevin. “As far as Zebbi goes, she has really taken to motherhood.”

The gestation period for zebras lasts anywhere from 12 to 14 months, added Klevin. Like horses, 10 days after offspring is born the mother can go into heat again and start the whole process all over.

“The male and female zebras are out there together, so we’re not doing anything to prevent that from happening,” said Klevin.

But before the new foal gets a new brother or sister, he needs a name first.

Currently the Frank Buck Zoo is holding a name contest to decide what the little guy should be called.

“The naming contest will be going on till the end of the month,” said Klevin. “It should be fun and just give people a chance to have an input in the naming process.”

A $1 entry fee, people can either participate in the contest while they’re visiting the zoo, or just stop by and vote, said Klevin.

Going with the “Z” alliteration of his parents, zoo staff has come up with four names to choose from: Zeek, Zack, Zimi (for Zimbabwe) and Zippy.

So far, said Klevin, the front runner is Zeek. However, if you have your own “spectacular “Z” suggestion” Klevin and the staff encourage you to submit it.

According to the Frank Buck Zoo’s official website, “All contributions towards the name vote will go towards purchasing acreage for a preserve in the Kunene Region protected area in Namibia, Africa. This park will be one of the last true wilderness areas in Africa linking the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park, thereby facilitating wildlife migrations and creating 15 million acres of conservation area.”

To learn more about the Frank Buck Zoo or when you can visit its newest addition, please visit www.frankbuckzoo.com or call 727-9097.