Marwell Zoo welcomed a newborn Grevy’s zebra foal, an endangered species, much to the delight of its visitors.

The infant was born within the zoo's Wild Explorers paddock, on August 14. The infant represents a crucial boost to the dwindling Grevy’s zebra population.

The infant was born on August 14The infant was born on August 14 (Image: Corin Messer)

The zoo's dedicated keepers have praised mother Khumba, a second-time mum, for the exceptional care she is providing to her young foal.

The new addition joins older sister Windsor, who was born in July 2022 amidst the Queen's Jubilee celebrations.

The new addition joins older sister Windsor, who was born in July 2022The new addition joins older sister Windsor, who was born in July 2022 (Image: Corin Messer)

Marwell Zoo has done significant conservation work for the Grevy’s zebra, contributing to Kenya’s national preservation efforts for the species, and even managing the International Studbook as well as the European Ex situ Programme.

With less than 3,000 Grevy’s zebras believed to be remaining in the wild, found mainly in Northern Kenya and some parts in Ethiopia, this birth signifies a ray of hope for the species.

There are believed to be less than 3,000 Grevy’s zebras believed to be remaining in the wildThere are believed to be less than 3,000 Grevy’s zebras believed to be remaining in the wild (Image: Corin Messer)

Their numbers have been seeing a downward trend due to habitat loss, droughts, and poaching, but recent trends suggest a possible stabilisation.

Marwell Zoo currently houses all three zebra species, Grevy’s, plains and Hartmann’s, the only UK zoo to do so.

The circle of life continues at the zoo, however, as the birth of the foal coincided with the death of one of the zoo's snow leopards.

On August 20, we reported that Irina died aged 16 after age-related health complications.

Irina first arrived at the Hampshire zoo on January 18, 2010, as a two-year-old.

Despite an ongoing geriatric care programme for the elderly big cat, her health indicators unfortunately took a severe turn, prompting keepers to take the difficult decision of euthanisation.

Most of the leopard's life had been spent with her former mate Indeever.

The two had successfully raised four offspring; Kamala and Kadhir in 2011, followed by Animesh and Ajendra two years later.