22 September 2011
Hamilton Zoo's zebra breeding programme struck gold once more with new addition arriving on Monday night. The unnamed two-day-old was an instant hit with the visitors.
It may be only partially black but the spring in the step of Hamilton's Zoo's latest arrival is a sure sign of All Black victory, according to staff.
The latest addition to the zebra herd was found by zoo staff on Tuesday morning after being born overnight.
The yet-to-be-named foal is believed to have had an easy arrival into the world and is already attracting many visitors.
Mammals team leader Samantha Kudeweh said the zebra was happy, and both mother and foal were healthy and doing well. "It's very perky and staying close to mum, which we would expect in the first couple of days for protection."
With its black and white stripes the zebra is already in the Rugby World Cup spirit and Mrs Kudeweh thinks it's a sign for good things to come.
"It's definitely a positive omen for the All Blacks."
Mrs Kudeweh said zebra took to their feet soon after birth to enable them to run from enemies in the wild.
The zebra is the third foal for eight-year-old mother Marble and has joined its brother and sister, Phoenix and Asali, in the enclosure.
Zoo staff will decide on a name once the foal's sex is known. It will most likely be something African to signify its roots.