New 'Near Threatened' zebras Safi and Haezel settle into Bristol Zoo Project

Bristol Zoo Project has welcomed two female Grant’s zebras from Burgers’ Zoo in the Netherlands: seven year old Safi and 11 month old Haezel.

It follows after the zoo’s female zebra, Florence, passed away a couple of months ago.

The species, which is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, originates from Central Africa, and their biggest threats in the wild are habitat loss and illegal hunting.

They are the smallest subspecies of plains zebra and live in savanna and grassland habitats, where, as herbivores, they consume lots of grass. They’re also social animals, who live and travel in herds.

The two new arrivals’ names were chosen to reflect their origins; Safi means ‘pure’ and Haezal means ‘leader’ in Swahili. In the future, Bristol Zoo Project plans to welcome Grevy’s zebras, which are classified as an Endangered species by IUCN.

Haezal, Safi and Peter live in the African savanna area of Bristol Zoo Project, and share a space with two giraffes, Dayo and Tico, and the new addax, Phoenix and Nico. The new arrivals have been gradually mixed with the other species, and keepers are pleased with how smoothly the transition has gone!

Bristol Zoo Project said: “The new arrivals have settled in quickly and have been exploring their new home and getting to know Peter, our male Grant’s zebra.

“The three have been spending a lot of time together already, and Peter has shown a lot of interest in the females.

“Sadly, our female zebra Florence passed away a couple of months ago, so we’re really pleased that Peter has company again!”

You can visit Haezal and Safi now alongside the other animals at Bristol Zoo Project, including the species in our newly opened Tropical House. To book tickets, click here.