Zoo celebrates 'miracle' birth of extremely rare baby zebra

A very rare zebra foal has been born at Blackpool Zoo, in what's been described as a "miracle" for the vulnerable species.

The new arrival is the first surviving female Hartmann’s mountain zebra to be born in the UK since 2002.

Hartmann’s mountain zebras are native to Namibia. Credit: Blackpool Zoo

Mother Helene and father Fernando are the most established breeding pair in the country.

Their new baby, who's been named Wakanda, will be an important part of the European Endangered Species breeding programme.

The new arrival was a nice surprise for keepers. Credit: Blackpool Zoo
The foal has been named Wakanda after a fictional Sub-Saharan African country created by Marvel Comics. Credit: Blackpool Zoo

The birth was discovered by Blackpool Zoo’s Johnpaul Houston after he arrived for work on Thursday 6th September.

The baby girl is said to be doing really well. Credit: Blackpool Zoo

He continued “Helene is an experienced mother and is doing an incredible job of looking after her healthy, beautiful foal. She is a massive cause for celebration as she is the only surviving female foal born in the UK since 2002."