NEWS: Summer of (Zebra) Stripes Arrives at Disney World

Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge have welcomed four new zebra foals recently, and Disney is excited to share more details on these cuties. Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Dr. Mark Penning:

It has been a stripe-tacular summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! We’ve welcomed not one – but FOUR adorable Hartmann’s mountain zebra foals to the savannas, and you just might see one of them on your next visit. Say hello to our new striped little ones!

Just like their extraordinary stripes that line their bodies, every one of these foals is unique with each having their own special personalities as they explore their vast surroundings.

Here at Walt Disney World, you will find three distinct types of zebras: Hartmann’s mountain zebra, Grevy’s zebra and the plains zebra. Hartmann’s mountain zebras are found on slopes and plateaus in mountainous areas found in sub-Saharan Africa.

The first of this season’s recently born foals is still earning his stripes, as one might say. Second-time mom Aziza delivered the healthy and tall baby boy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on July 16. The two are bonding in a backstage area before they run out onto the wide open Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Aziza already has some experience with motherhood as she gave birth to Dot last year.

Another family tree expanded in the early morning hours on July 8.

First-time mom, Asha, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy! Standing tall just like his mother, this curious foal was nursing, exploring his surroundings and greeting animal care teams by the time breakfast rolled around for many of the other animals. Did you know that within an hour of birth, foals are ready to run? Their long legs seem almost too big for their little bodies, but zebras use their powerful legs to evade predators. Adults can reach top speeds of 40 miles per hour!

If you look closely, this foal has a unique dash, or horizontal stripe, near his front right leg. Similarly, his grandma, Heidi, also has this unique pattern too.

Second-time mom, Juno, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Cada at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you look closely, Cada has a one-of-a-kind white marking within one of the black stripes on her back legs. She has been vocalizing and prancing around alongside mom and her big sister, Cricket, who was also born at the park in 2023.

Much like humans, zebras use vocalizations, facial expressions and body language to express themselves. Straight, upright ears indicate a friendly, confident attitude, while pulled back ears may mean zebras are disturbed or uncertain and ears leaned forward show they are paying close attention to something. Hartmann’s mountain zebras are very expressive with one another and these behaviors allow the animal care teams to be attentive to their behavior and socialization needs. You may see some of these expressions the next time you see our zebra herd out on savanna.

The oldest of our Hartmann’s mountain zebra foals, Penne, arrived on June 13 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Penne weighed nearly 100 pounds and was up exploring shortly after birth. Mother, Heidi, is familiar with the idea of having an energetic newborn running around. Her first foal, Asha, was born at the park in 2020. Now that Asha is a mother of her own – we have three generations of Hartmann’s mountain zebras out on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Since her birth, Penne and Heidi have been delighting guests as they explore the savanna.

Each of these new arrivals is incredibly special for the Hartmann’s mountain zebra species. Currently, these animals are listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting. These births are a success thanks to the Species Survival Plan, overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that ensures responsible breeding and genetic diversity of hundreds of animal species.

These four new foals join the long list of more than 5,000 animals that receive exceptional care every day at Walt Disney World. For updates and to see all the amazing work our talented team of cast members are doing follow Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook and Dr. Mark on Instagram.