Endangered Zebra Dies 16 Days After Birth At Reid Park Zoo

TUCSON, AZ — A Grevy's zebra born at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson less than three weeks ago has died, the zoo has confirmed. The zebra foal was born on July 4 and had been in good condition until a fracture in his spine was found on Monday, Zoo Director Dr. Sue Tygielski said. Grevy’s zebra are endangered with fewer than 2,000 of the species remaining in the wild.

“Yesterday, during morning animal health checks, the young zebra was found lying next to his mother," Tygielski said. "At this point initial radiographs show a fracture in his cervical spine, however we are uncertain of the nature of the injury or how he sustained it.”

The doctor added that zebras tend to become easily startled, and young zebras have a high mortality rate.

The young zebra was recently seen running and jumping, normal behaviors for a zebra foal, and zoo staff said nothing unusual was captured on video cameras.

“In a very short time, he won everyone’s heart with his spirited energy," Tygielski said. "The animal care team is taking the unexpected loss very hard."

Zoo employees had already been mourning over the death of two other animals who have died during the zoo's extended COVID-19 closure.

Nancy Kluge, Reid Park Zoo president and CEO, said “my heart goes out to our staff and especially our animal care professionals who give their all each day to ensure that every animal at Reid Park Zoo receives quality, loving, and uninterrupted care.”