Meet Sahara's new foal!
We are so happy to announce the birth of a female zebra foal on Sunday, May 31, 2026!
The foal weighed 37 kg at birth, and our Animal Care team has been closely monitoring mom and baby since her arrival. At this early stage, monitoring is ongoing, and both are being given time and space to bond and settle in. Sahara is already showing strong and expected maternal behaviours, including staying close to her foal, attentive grooming, nursing, and a protective presence as they establish their bond.
Zebra foals are up on their feet incredibly quickly, often within about an hour of birth, an amazing natural adaptation that helps them keep pace with their mothers and the herd. In the days ahead, the foal will continue building strength and coordination while relying primarily on mom’s milk, gradually beginning to explore grasses and other vegetation.
Visitors may have the chance to see the foal when she is out in the habitat with Sahara. As always, the zebras have the choice to move between their indoor and outdoor spaces at any time, and they naturally choose where to spend their time based on their comfort, preferences, and needs.
The father, Karoo, is currently in the habitat next to Sahara and the foal. We proactively separated Karoo and Sahara prior to the birth, as it is common for plains zebras to distance themselves from the herd before giving birth. Our Animal Care team had also observed that Sahara was already beginning to reduce her interactions with Karoo and distance herself naturally.
Grant’s zebras, a subspecies of plains zebra, are iconic ambassadors for Africa’s vast grassland ecosystems. Their presence helps spark meaningful conversations about wildlife conservation, habitat loss, and the collective responsibility we share in protecting the wild landscapes that sustain both zebras and countless other species.
Meet Tony!
Please give a warm welcome to Tony, the Southern White Rhinoceros, who joined the family on May 27th, 2026!
Tony is 23 years old and came to us from Parc Safari Boreal, in Quebec. You can find him in the rhino habitat, alongside Theo, towards the front of the Zoo. Tony is incredibly curious and playful, especially when it comes to toys and enrichment items. He’s known for being expressive, agile, and full of character, with a sensitive personality and a strong curiosity about everything around him. Tony’s favourite things include wallowing in mud pits, standing in rainstorms, and sprinklers. He also enjoys ear scratches and a good scratch or rub on his back end. To tell the rhinos apart, look at their horn shape and size. Tony has noticeably larger, more robust horns, while Theo has smaller, more neatly shaped horns.
As part of the introduction process between Tony and Theo, the two rhinos are gradually becoming familiar with one another through scent, sound, and visual interactions. Depending on the time of day and where they choose to spend their time, sightings may vary. This gradual approach helps ensure both animals remain comfortable and confident as they continue getting to know each other. Whether Tony and Theo ultimately share space will depend on their individual behaviours and how their relationship develops during the introduction process. Our animal care team is carefully monitoring their interactions and will make decisions based on what is best for the welfare and comfort of both animals.
Rhinos are an important keystone species, helping shape and maintain the ecosystems they live in. By grazing, they influence grassland structure and create space for other species, supporting overall biodiversity. Protecting rhinos also helps protect the wider habitats they share with many other animals. While Tony was brought to the Zoo to be a companion for Theo, both boys are part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and International Studbook (ISB) and remain important parts of the overall conservation of their species.
To support rhino conservation consider supporting organizations like the International Rhino Foundation, which funds anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and conservation programs in rhino range countries. You can also make a difference by learning more about rhinos, supporting conservation events like our recent Rhino Awareness Weekend, and sharing what they’ve learned to help spread awareness about the threats rhinos still face in the wild.
