“It’s wonderful:" Racine Zoo welcomes pair of Hartmann's mountain zebras

RACINE -- The Racine Zoo is excited to welcome a pair of Hartmann’s mountain zebras to Racine.

In a news release issued to FOX6 News, Racine Zoo officials said the pair of one-year-old male zebras were acquired from Rough Hollow Reserve in Austin, Texas as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Program. The pair arrived in Racine approximately four weeks ago when they were placed in routine quarantine, procedure when new animals are introduced to the Zoo.

The new zebra exhibit, which officially opens on Friday, July 1st, sits within the Charles and Jennifer Johnson Land of the Giants located at the north end of the Zoo, near the Masai giraffes and black rhinoceros’ exhibits and across from the popular PlayZoo.



“It’s wonderful to have zebras at the Zoo,” said Beth Heidorn, Executive Director of the Racine Zoo. “They are adjusting well to their new home and very curious about their new surroundings. These guys are so fun to watch, I cannot wait for guests to meet and enjoy them.”

According to Racine Zoo officials, Hartmann’s mountain zebras are native to the dry, stony mountains and semi-deserts of southwest Africa. They are grazers that primarily feed on grass and browse. Adult mountain zebras measure between 82 and 102 inches in length. They can weigh an average of 600 pounds.

Hartmann's mountain zebras are the only zebra species with a dewlap – a fold of skin under the throat. Their widest stripes can be seen on the upper hind legs, and the stripes continue down all the way to the hooves.



“Having them here really rounds out our collection of African animals within the Charles and Jennifer Land of the Giants,” said Theresa Donarski, Curator of Conservation and Animal Care. “The entire staff is very excited to have them here.”

The zebras are just two of the many new additions the Zoo has welcomed this summer including the brand new straw-colored fruit bat exhibit, a Western fox snake, an anaconda, a rhinoceros iguana, and a Caledonian giant gecko.

Additionally, the Zoo welcomed two emperor tamarin offspring and two African penguin chicks earlier this year.

“It’s exciting to see how the Zoo continues to progress and grow,” said Heidorn.  “We still have some surprises up our sleeve this summer but for now, we’ll be enjoying these two amazing zebras.”