Monarto Safari Park experiences a winter baby boom

In Wild Africa, the park’s newest plains zebra is a healthy male foal who is already settling into life in Chobe and discovering that growing up is even better with a playmate.

The young male has joined another zebra foal in the herd, with the pair regularly spotted playing, running and exploring their sprawling habitat together, while staying close to their mums.

Visitors heading out on a Wild Africa safari should keep their eyes peeled in Chobe for the young duo stretching their legs and showing off their individual personalities.

The zebra foals may also look a little different from the adults around them as Zebra foals are often born with brown or reddish-brown stripes, which gradually darken as they grow.

Like human fingerprints, every zebra’s stripe pattern is unique.

Monarto Safari Park Assistant Curator of Ungulates, Mark Mills, said seeing the youngsters interact was a highlight for the keeping team.

“It’s fantastic to see the two youngsters together. They’re at an age where they’re curious about everything, and seeing them running around, playing and exploring together is really special,” Mark said.

“They’re still very much attached to their mums, who are keeping a close eye on them, but they’re also starting to build that relationship with each other and become more confident within the herd.

And the playful youngsters aren’t the only ones making the most of having a friend their own size.

Monarto Safari Park has also welcomed Addax calves this winter, with the youngsters enjoying the chance to play, explore and grow up alongside each other.

The births are particularly significant for a species facing an uncertain future in the wild. Addax (Addax nasomaculatus) are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and are among the world’s rarest hoofed mammals, with as few as 100 thought to remain in the wild.

Once widespread across the Sahara, the desert-adapted antelope has suffered dramatic declines due to threats including illegal hunting and habitat degradation.

“Seeing our Addax calves running around and playing together is incredibly rewarding, particularly when you consider just how rare this species is in the wild,” Mark said.

“They’re full of energy and it’s wonderful to watch them interact and grow in confidence together, but their arrival also carries an important conservation message.

“With Addax Critically Endangered in the wild, every new arrival is a reminder of just how important it is to protect species like this for the future.”

Visitors exploring Monarto Safari Park on foot can look out for the young Addax from the walking trails, just opposite the Waterhole Habitat, where they may be lucky enough to catch the calves playing together.

Find out more about these conservation efforts and help support the Monarto Safari Park at monartosafari.com.au.