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Baby zebra dies at Reid Park Zoo

Reid Park Zebra Anna
Posted at 2:18 PM, Jul 08, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-21 22:02:04-04

TUCSON, Ariz. — A Grevy's zebra that was born at Reid Park Zoo over July 4th weekend has died, apparently of a spinal injury.

According to a post from the zoo, the death was likely due to a spinal injury. The baby's mother is named Anna.

“Yesterday, during morning animal health checks, the young zebra was found lying next to his mother. At this point initial radiographs show a fracture in his cervical spine, however we are uncertain of the nature of the injury or how he sustained it,” said Dr. Sue Tygielski, Director of Zoological Operations. “Zebras as a species can become easily startled and, sadly, young zebras have a high mortality rate.”

Grevy's zebras are the largest zebra species. Over the last 40 years, the species population has dropped significantly, with fewer than 2,000 remaining in Africa.