Two new zebras arrive at Bristol Zoo Project!

We recently welcomed two female Grant’s zebras to Bristol Zoo Project!

Two zebras stand closely together, peering out from a wooden enclosure, with their black and white stripes prominently visible. Photo credit: Doug Lodge

Safi, who’s seven years old, and Haezal, who’s 11 months old, joined us from Burgers' Zoo in the Netherlands. The new arrivals have settled in quickly and have been exploring their new home and getting to know Peter, our male Grant’s zebra.

The three have been spending a lot of time together already, and Peter has shown a lot of interest in the females. Sadly, our female zebra Florence passed away a couple of months ago, so we’re really pleased that Peter has company again!

Close-up of a zebra's face with two other zebras in the background, standing in a fenced outdoor area under a partly cloudy sky. Photo credit: Keeper Alice

Grant’s zebras are classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Across Central Africa, where they live in the wild, their biggest threats are habitat loss and illegal hunting. The two new arrivals’ names were chosen to reflect their origins; Safi means ‘pure’ and Haezal means ‘leader’ in Swahili. In the future, our plan is to welcome Grevy’s zebras, which are classified as an Endangered species by IUCN.

Grant’s zebra is the smallest subspecies of plains zebra. They live in savanna and grassland habitats, and are herbivores, consuming lots of grass. They’re also social animals, who live and travel in herds.

Haezal, Safi and Peter live in the African savanna area of Bristol Zoo Project, and share a space with our two giraffes, Dayo and Tico, and our new addax, Phoenix and Nico. The new arrivals have been gradually mixed with the other species, and keepers are pleased with how smoothly the transition has gone!

Two zebras standing on sandy ground, touching noses affectionately. Their black and white stripes contrast with the muted background. Photo credit: Keeper Emily

You can visit Haezal and Safi now alongside the other animals at Bristol Zoo Project, including the species in our newly opened Tropical House. Book tickets below!